Delaney: Regardless of score, kids are kids

I went to a Little League baseball game in East Utica this evening. Most of my game coverage is spent with varsity sports and watching the Mets and the Marlins, I was really reminded of the differences between youth sports and high school sports.

Not every kid could catch or throw. Others did both quite well. Friday's game was a blowout in favor of the Marlins, who scored so many runs in one inning the scoreboard had to be cleared.

One Marlins player reached first and he went to the bag. The Mets first baseman greeted the runner with a warning: your shoe's untied. It wasn't a trick; it's the ultimate playground etiquette. The Marlins player tucked the laces into one of his shoes and got into his base running crouch. The Mets first basman watched his opponent and returned his attention to the mound.

Forget the score or the game situation, first things first. Tie your shoes and then we'll play.