Back in the day, albeit a long, long time ago, Americans embraced cricket.
According to the Utah Cricket Association Web site (www.utahcricket.com), the world's second-most popular participation sport, played in more than 120 countries, reached its golden age in the United States sometime around the late 1800s. Utah's history was particularly rich. Because of its somewhat remote geographic location and the large number of English converts to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints who resided in the territory, it was "one of the last mainstays of cricket in America."
At one point, there were reportedly 19 clubs in the state — residing in communities such as Coalville, Plain City, Sandy and Wellsville.
With the passing of time, however, cricket's popularity with Americans waned. Sports such as baseball, basketball and football moved to the forefront.
Nowadays, depending on the generation, cricket is more apt to be associated with a cell phone company, a disposable lighter or a cartoon insect named Jiminy.
Among several groups or individuals taking aim at the identity crisis is Kaysville resident Steve Hooper.
The 45-year-old equipment specialist at Hill Air Force Base fell in love with the game while serving an LDS Church mission in London. Time in Kuwait , where the sport has remained popular, added to his appreciation in 2000.
"I was in seventh heaven," said Hooper, who formed the non-profit UCA as a means to re-establish cricket in Utah.
Under a program endorsed by the State Office of Education, Hooper and his organization have visited more than 50 schools in Davis and Weber counties. The cricket presentations have led to 35 equipment purchases. He's currently looking for help to create development manuals, one on how to play cricket, another more academically based, for classroom use — Americanizing materials that already exist in England.
"That's my mission. I want to bring it to the youth," said Hooper. "I want kids to learn the game."
Cricket, he believes, offers valuable lessons in skill, patience, discipline and endurance. Such values are helping the sport resurface.
For the past 20 years, the Salt Lake Cricket Union has provided such an avenue. Members are regulars at 11th Avenue Park each Sunday when weather permits.
Nasir Khan, a former professional cricket player, said the sport promotes peace throughout the world. In Salt Lake, for example, immigrants from India and Pakistan play together. Khan, a native of Pakistan, said it proves that much of the world's problems are caused by politicians.
A cooperative spirit exists in Utah, where Khan said Salt Lake City officials have been great in terms of maintaining a space for cricket to be played. In turn, the cricket union has been able to teach the sport to several locals, including a doctor and a former baseball player.
"I want to pass my legacy on," said Khan, whose extensive cricket career included stints in Europe, Canada and Jamaica. "We will be very happy to make people knowledgeable about cricket."
For more information, Khan welcomes e-mail at nasirjkhan@aol.com.
"Cricket is the mother sport of baseball. All of our forefathers played cricket," Khan said while noting a growing increase of interest among Americans. "It's getting its popularity like soccer in the U.S.
Junior and senior leagues have been formed in Utah. Cricket clubs now exist in Salt Lake City, Provo, Logan and Davis County. The sport was included in the Samoan Heritage Festival in Kearns earlier this summer and is played in various forms by a variety of groups throughout the state.
The UCA, like other programs in Utah, is hoping to bring about an American renaissance of cricket, a goal enhanced by the creation of a new nationwide professional league that began play over the July 4 weekend in eight cities. The closest franchises to Utah are located in Los Angeles and San Francisco.
"The sport is going through a significant cultural change," said Hooper. "It's basically going from a game that is 1,000 years old and took three to five days to play to being complete within three hours."
Unlike baseball, where pitchers dictate the action, cricket is a hitter's game. Hooper said players hit the ball five or six times more often than in baseball.
"In my opinion, cricket has more to offer kids than any other sport," said Hooper. "The game demands that it be played at a high standard."
Positives are reinforced and celebrated, while negatives are ignored. Taunting opponents and jawing at the umpire are simply not tolerated. Coaches are not permitted on the sidelines. They're relegated to the role of mentor and trainer. In cricket, team captains assign positions and supervise conduct on the field.
"That's not cricket," is yelled whenever anyone deviates from the expected norm.
"It actually instills ethics and values." said Hooper. "It's not just lip service."
CRICKET 101
There are two teams, with 11 players each.
Instead of four bases, there are only two; in the middle of the field, 66 feet apart.
All running is between the two bases . . . the ball can be hit in front, OR behind . . . or, in any direction.
Instead of rotating batting for nine innings each, each team does all its batting in a single inning.
The team scoring more runs wins the game.
Source: www.seattlecricket.com
E-mail: dirk@desnews.com