Just let the kids play….

I want to be very clear—I hate politics.
I think it brings out the worst in society and thanks to the explosion of social media over the last 20 years or so, it’s only gotten worse.
I’ve worked for publications where politics were very prominent in the coverage, regardless of how divisive the topics were.
Luckily, as far as sports go, politics and sports have been two realms that haven’t often overlapped—a fact I’m quite grateful for.
But this week, there’s been an unfortunate overlap within those two arenas.
One thing about summer that I always make a point to watch for is the Little League World Series.
Some of the best and most pure athletes playing for simply nothing more than the love of the game.
Last week, a Venezuelan Little League team was denied entry to the U.S. because their Visas weren’t approved.
Currently, Venezuela is on a list of countries listed by President Donald Trump that are restricted from entering the U.S.
I can’t help but feel these kids are caught in the crossfire of political theater and that’s an absolute shame.
What’s the saying?
American as apple pie and baseball?
I really would just love an official statement from the state department explaining why this team was denied visas to play America’s pastime.
Baseball is universal.
It’s one of the purest and most traditional sports in the world.
Every game I’ve ever attended, both as a fan and as working media, there’s always been a special focus on making the game magical for kids.
There’s always been a notion of passing the torch on for the next generation.
The Little League World Series is an honor for athletes to participate in and for a country to have a team denied because of politics, is nothing short of a shame.
These kids earned their right to play here.
Keeping them from it is a disgrace to the sport.
Just another reason why I hate politics.
Chris Siers is sports editor of the Bedford County Post. Email him at csiers@bedfordcountypost.com.