Throw and Talk

A boy in Massachusetts is pictured in his neighborhood.

    Is the decline of baseball hurting boys?
    Years ago, most boys owned baseball mitts. Youngsters played catch with other kids in their neighborhoods. No swinging of bats. No running to bases. No adult supervision. Just boys throwing, catching, and talking to each other.
    They shared idle thoughts between tosses. Shyness gave way to confidence. Friendships were forged.
    Nowadays, few children play catch. They participate in organized sports—often soccer—at  centralized locations. Adults hover nearby. Action on the field inhibits chummy conversations.
   Playing catch builds character.