Don't look for heroes in pros

When someone asks you whether you are sports minded or are interest in sports, to the average American that means someone who enjoys baseball, football, hockey or possibly soccer, although soccer from a professional standpoint has not gained the same status as the four major American sports.

Keep in mind, most sports capital is invested in the four major sports, but there are other large corporate sports such as golf and tennis.

Today we have big business, not sports. The only true sports are the kids playing their favorite games in a vacant lot or street. That's true sport. No money needed. They play for the love of the game and the sheer enjoyment of their sport.

But in today's world of economics it is the bottom line that counts, because without it there would be no sports as we know them. Is that good or bad? Only time will tell.

With players' salaries escalating every year it is becoming more difficult for a family of four to attend a game. The cost of tickets, parking, lunch and snacks could be between $150 to $200. That's a lot of money for the average family struggling to make ends meet.

I would choose to watch a game on television in the comfort of my home. Who needs the hassles?

What some professional athletes have done to distort the minds of youth into believing they are the real heroes, putting themselves on a pedestal for all to see, is a sham. Wake up, sports fans. The real heroes are doctors, teachers and just plain volunteers who lend a helping hand to their neighbors.

Arthur L. Andre

St. Charles