Grippi a good role model

I have admired Vince Grippi from afar for many years. Hold on, let me explain. I first saw Vince when he was coaching tough-to-beat teams that my young son’s teams played against in AAU. Vince’s success as a coach was exemplified by players, including his own son, that were always full of energy and competitive spirit. As a parent I always admired the way he coached his teams—with enthusiasm, skill and class.

Now all of the folks who read Vince’s column debating the “who makes a better quarterback, a pitcher or a catcher?” question, (Drysdale and Koufax—be still my heart!) also got a peek into this writer’s integrity. As he set the mood for the discussion about the virtues of the throwers, he offered us a Diet Pepsi – not a cold one, not a brewski, not a shot, but a soda pop. In the sports marketing venue where our kids are bombarded with messages about how alcohol will make them more popular, better looking and (thank you, John Elway) better athletes, Vince pitched one right down the middle. When adults role model positive choices for our kids, it’s a grand slam for all of us. Rah, rah, Vince, boom, bah!

Linda Thompson

Spokane Valley