Letter: Integrity of the game missing

The Little League International championship baseball game played between the USA and Japan was not the usual “let’s have fun and be good sports”. This game was a pitchers battle with no love lost for each other. The team from Japan came to compete. Unfortunately, at all cost, Japan played the game like college professional players. The Japanese hurler pitched inside often, either knocking down or hitting three batters. This style of aggressive play took place with key American players. The strategy worked; a number of U.S. players were upset and frustrated by this action. In my opinion, this game plan was developed and promoted by Japan’s coaching staff. To play youth baseball in this fashion detracts from the purpose of Little League baseball, to play with honor and good sportsmanship.
John E. Bessa, Hollister, retired varsity baseball coach