When is enough, enough?
In the past two months of the George B. Kelley Federation season, I've seen threatening e-mails and out-of-control players and fans.
What is the most shocking thing about all of this is there is absolutely no control by the so-called president of the league, Tom Stout.
I was at a game recently, and a player actually threw his equipment and got into an umpire's face and nothing, absolutely nothing, was done. There was not even a warning or an ejection.
One day prior to this incident there was a player at the conclusion of a game went towards the opposing stands and yelled some very foul comments to the fans and players.
Major League Baseball doesn't even put up with that.
There needs to be something done with the George B. Kelley Federation. And it starts at the top.
Right now it is an absolute disgrace.
Chris Simpson
Altoona
(Editor's note: The writer's brother played for Martin Oil in the Kelley Federation this year).
Article 'uncalled for'
First off, I would like to say that the article in Wednesday's sports section about the Martin Oil/Barkman Oil playoff game was uncalled for and the comments made by Barkman's coach, Brad Sell, were absolutely untrue.
With that said, I think the Mirror was wrong to put his negative remarks in the paper. I was at the game and can say first-hand that not one of Martin Oil's family members or regular-season fans made any direct comments to any player on that field. You can ask any neutral person there. That is not how we cheer for our team.
Coach Sell, on the other hand, did encourage some comments. I have never in my 18 years of attending and watching baseball seen a coach with such poor sportsmanship.
He should have been thrown out in the first inning of Monday night's game, but instead he had numerous warnings from the umpire. He not only threw temper tantrums, it almost seemed like he was encouraging his players to act like him. They threw equipment, got in the umpires' faces and used profanity. Not once did Sell try to calm the boys down, although he says he did.
At one of the Juniata/Martin Oil games, the players from Barkman came to watch. They sat on Juniata's side with posters that were directed towards Martin Oil.
Both of my brothers have played for Martin Oil, and I know the parents and the coaches would never allow any of the players to act anywhere close to what Barkman's boys did.
Martin Oil walked on the field with pride and they also walked off the field with pride. They should all be congratulated for not getting sucked into the immaturity of the opposing team.
Barkman has not beat Martin all year, so to act the way their fans and coach did was ridiculous. The better team obviously played against Juniata.
Rebecca Albright
Tyrone
Enjoyable experience
My wife and I attended our first Altoona Curve game May 20. May I say it was a wonderful experience.
From the moment we pulled into the parking lot, the attendant was most helpful and courteous.
Next the ticket salesperson was friendly and suggested one of the finer seats and was thankful for our ticket purchase.
Next the gate attendant directed us to our seats and said "enjoy the game," and gave me a pat on my back that made us feel very welcome.
The seat usher walked us to our seats and was most friendly. The concession salesperson were quick to serve our snacks with a smile.
The Curve characters kept us entertained as well as all the stadium employees with their professional attitudes. They were all were great, and management and ownership should be proud.
Jack Cessna
Ebensburg
Smaller class needed
I was sorry to see the expanded football classifications for PIAA football was voted down.
I do not believe there is a need for more higher classifications. However, small schools that graduate 50 or less students need a small school classification for football playoffs.
Hopefully this issue will be taken into consideration when expanded classifications is revisited in a couple years.
Al Montanaro
Bellwood
Belief in Roethlisberger
Here we go again with another nobody trying to get something out of a celebrity.
I don't believe for one minute that Ben Roethlisberger raped that girl. I can believe that he had an affair with her and one that I am sure she was ready, willing and able to have.
But since he evidently didn't want anything to do with her after the affair, now she is going to get even.
What a bunch of baloney.
Rita Luciano
Altoona
