Disappointed in baseball class story

As the professor of the inaugural semester of Baseball History at Harper College, my students and I were thrilled to have ex-big leaguers Bill Campbell, Eric Soderholm, and Randy Hundley visit our classroom. We were also excited that the educational experience was to be covered by the Daily Herald.

We were, however, somewhat disappointed in the article, "Talkin' baseball with Eric, Randy, and Bill" penned by Kimberly Pohl.

This was a very special day in a class that has analyzed baseball through the lens of civil rights, literature, film, and American social history in general. The ballplayers provided a cogent "in-service" on the delightful and challenging realities of playing in the Major Leagues.

The article seemed not to reflect either the joy or depth of learning that occurred in our class that day. It also would have been nice to read about our class in more than just name, and to have heard from the students who have made this course an incisive and scholarly experience.

It should also be noted that the three men stayed for the entire two hours and 45 minutes of the class session.

Afterward, Bill Campbell (who was misquoted in the article) noted that he was "impressed with the depth of knowledge about baseball" displayed by my students.

Unfortunately, these students were only referred to as "fans" in the article. The students are, of course, great fans of the game, but they are students first.

Bill, Eric, and Randy indeed provided a valuable learning experience for my class. The students wish to thank them for their time, insight, and candor. Education, after all, is the vital purpose of any scholastic endeavor.

Tom DePalma

Associate Professor of History,

and the students of the class, Baseball History

Harper College

Palatine