Signs aim to remind parents to be good sports

Baseball remains one of the most popular sports in the United States. According to the National Sporting Goods Association, more than 12 million Americans over the age of 7 played the sport in 2011.

While the sport is not regularly played in the winter months, many leagues and officials are busy preparing for the new season that will begin in the spring. In one U.S. city, officials are planning on posting signs at all baseball fields to remind parents and other spectators to show good sportsmanship.

According to The State Journal-Register, officials in Springfield, Illinois, will post 60 signs that contain the words from a poem titled "He Is Just A Little Boy," which reminds people to be considerate of young players' feelings. The poem is believed to have been written by Chaplain Bob Fox, a minor league pitcher, sometime before World War II. The signs will be put in various places including by dugouts, concession stands and near spectator areas.

Parents and city officials say they believe the signs are necessary because of yelling, screaming and arguments that ensue between parents and others watching games.

In addition to purchasing new or used baseball equipment before the beginning of a new baseball season, some believe coaches, parents and other adults should remember that the sport is meant to be fun first and foremost.