In defense of Destin Little League

I would like to respond to Mr. Craig Tingle’s column to The Log on April 23. Destin Little League is a local charter of Little League International.

Little League baseball and softball is played by millions of children on six continents and more than 80 countries.

Little League has been granted a Congressional Charter of Federal Incorporation. No other sports organization has been so honored by the federal government.

Our program is dedicated to helping children become good and decent citizens.

Destin Little League has more than 350 children and more than 100 volunteers including the board of directors, managers, coaches, team moms, and yes, even the umpires, are all volunteers.

As a local charter, we must abide by all rules and regulations of Little League International or risk losing our privileges and charter. There is a long and lengthy process for our local league to follow to request a change in rules. If we are granted a rule change, it is good for that year only.

We must resubmit changes every year.

I have great respect for Mr. Tingle as a board member and as a local attorney and business owner.

However, as I read your column and your retraction, I only have three words for you: Shame on you.

As an attorney and Little League board member completing your second year on the board, you know the proper procedure for a change of rules. For you to go to The Destin Log without ever going to the board of directors even once during your two years on the board to address your concerns, makes me wonder about your real motive.

Shame on you for trying to stop city funding to all the children the city helps. Shame on you to suggest the city give the money to another worthy organization, the YMCA, which you failed to disclose that you are a board member of.

I also do not accept your retraction letter.

We as a board do not “desire” anything. As we continue to say, we are here for the children. Destin Little League baseball and softball is about all children, not a select few.

If you look at any other organized sports program and compare them to our Little League, you will find out we are equal or, as I feel, above the rest.

I will not sit back and allow you to attack Destin Little League, its volunteers and the many values it stands for.

Robert Wagner is president of Destin Little League.