It was a sunny Saturday afternoon in May when the Tigers held their first practice. The draft looks to be good to us this year, thought the manager. The 10- and 11-year-old boys were excited to be back on the field, back playing the game they loved.

As it was the first practice of the year, the manager introduced himself and his coaches and made each boy say his name and what position they’d like to play. Two of the boys, Michael Townsend and Charley Smith, said they’d like to pitch.

“Boys, I appreciate your enthusiasm and I’m very glad to have you two on the team, but this year Pablo and Gabriel are going to be our pitchers. Everyone knows Hispanics make better pitchers than blacks and whites. Michael, basketball season is just around the corner, and, Charley, have you thought about hockey? I’m sure you’re fine baseball players, but clearly we have to go with our strengths if we want to win.”

If you were a parent and overheard this what would you do? Confront the manager? Complain to the league? Pull your son from the team?

If this is unacceptable behavior for a Little League baseball coach, why is it acceptable for a Supreme Court justice?

Jim Clonts

Peachtree City, Ga.

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