The bleachers inside of the Ray Kinsland Stadium stand barren in the hot summer heat, but only a few yards away inside the Braves Fieldhouse, a special group of young men have put in a summer’s worth of workouts to help build the team and prepare for a very promising upcoming season.

It bugs me to no end to see pay disparities between men and women no matter if it is in the business world or the world of professional sports.

During the summer months, I spend more time in the stands than on the sidelines. This past weekend, while in the stands watching my daughter’s roller derby bout at the U.S. Cellular Center in Asheville I got to thinking about the sportsmanship shown across almost every sport when someone is shaken up or hurt.

Posting a record of 31-7 this past year, Nika West coached the Springdale Har-Ber High School Wildcats to a second place finish in the first-ever Arkansas Wrestling Coaches and Officials Association 6A/7A Dual State Championship.

I do not like to dogpile on an issue, but I’ll make an exception this week. Sports Illustrated’s Andy Benoit tweeted “women’s sports in general not worth watching” on June 22. I not only completely disagree with Benoit, I must ask what sports is he watching?

Download registration forms for the Braves Kickoff Golf Classic

Those of you who know me personally, know that I am a true sports fanatic. I love all sports. I even get up early during the winter weekends to watch bobsledding and luge. So, it should come as no surprise that I thoroughly enjoy watching competitive eating.

What do Larry Bird, Ty Cobb and a kangaroo all have in common? And, no, this isn’t a joke. They are all left-handed, southpaws to some.