No matter who you feel should own Christman Field in Franklin Township, one thing was very clear following Monday night’s Lehighton Area School District board meeting. The opportunity to participate, whether it be in baseball or softball, means the world to area youth in the Franklin Township Athletic Association.

The league, which started in 1979, has grown by leaps and bounds and now has over 400 players participating on more than 30 teams.

FTAA Little League President Mike Birnbaum spoke of the life lessons taught to Little Leaguers, including teamwork and learning how to deal with both success and failure.

One mother described her proudest moment of opening day this year. It wasn’t when her son had a game-winning hit. Instead, it was when one of his teammates got a hit for the first time.

“The excitement on his face as he looked back to his family, who was in tears, was priceless,” she said.

Little League means so much to the youngsters who take the field that they were willing to sit over an hour at a board meeting until the field’s ownership status was decided.

Like many players, Jack Lorenz and Evelyn Ahner started playing when they were 4 years old.

“I’ve formed friendships and made memories that have been some of the best memories of my life,” Lorenz said.

“I look forward to the practices and the games,” Ahner said.

I try my best to keep our daughter involved. She’s only 5, but her Mondays currently consist of preschool, dance class and T-ball to top it off, possibly followed by a glass of wine for mom.

In an age when kids could be sitting in front of the television, playing video games or burying their head in their cellphones, it was refreshing to see so many of them show up Monday to talk about a game they love.

“We’re all aware of the impact Little League has on kids,” Mark Maholick said. “The drug epidemic is one of the biggest issues facing us as a nation, and one of the most important things these children can do is be involved in activities.”

In the end, while Monday’s conversation centered on who will own the fields going forward, the important thing is that the kids are on the field. That is what matters most.

Enjoy the season.