Charleston baseball program and a decade of summer fun

There's a distinct difference between high school and summer baseball.

The high school teams rally around a school. Teammates also are classmates. The focus is on learning, school spirit, carrying on a legacy and competing in post-season play.

Summer teams also have a drive to win and advance in tournaments, however, there's a different culture. The summer teammates may be opponents during the high school season. Some may not even play in the same state. The players are focused on having fun and becoming better players, with the hope of advancing their skills for the following season's high school team or college.

Regardless of the season, youth sports are prime for making memories. For the Charleston Fighting Squirrels, there is a decade to look back and remember many fun summers.

Southeast Missourian reporter Erin Unnerstall wrote a story for the July 1 edition on the milestone anniversary for the organization. Michael Minner, a graduate of Cape Girardeau Central High School, is the coach. The organization has grown over the years. The teams include a 19-and-under group, 16-and-under, 15-and-under, 12-andunder and 8-andunder. There also is a 19-and-over team called the Charleston Riverdogs.

Minner told the newspaper that while they want to win, there's more to it than victories. "We're always trying to get kids an opportunity to play college baseball and further their education and get to stick around the baseball game as long as they can, and hopefully some of these kids will get an opportunity to coach at maybe their local high school, maybe here. ... In the end it won't be about wins and losses, it'll be about the memories," he said.

This area has many summer baseball programs, ranging from the Capahas and Riverdogs to traveling teams that help young baseball athletes become better. For those of us whose playing days are over, watching these teams play is a joy.

Congratulations to Minner and all those who have been a part of the Fighting Squirrels organization.