The Miss America Pageant, Elvis movies and Billy Graham crusades were three staples of television viewing when I was growing up in Tennessee.

Looking back, Bert Parks was a precursor to Regis Philbin, a marginally talented entertainer who became world famous for his corny jokes and slightly off-key singing voice. Since he was in prime time on Miss America, Parks was a household name, just like Regis during "Who Wants To Be A Millionaire."

How times have changed. Miss America isn't what it used to be. Elvis' estate makes more money in death than he did with 141 gold, platinum or multi-platinum records. And Billy Graham has turned over much of his ministry to his son.

I have no problem with Elvis' heirs making millions and Graham turning over his ministry. I like Priscilla and Lisa Marie Presley and love what they've done with Graceland in Memphis. I think Franklin Graham is a strong preacher, too, a chip off the old block.

I do have a problem with what has happened to Miss America. It has lost popularity because of an unfair negative stigma associated with pageants of any kind since the murder of JonBenet Ramsey in Colorado nearly 10 years ago. The image of the tiny beauty contestant playing over and over again on tabloid television created a horrific backlash. Miss America, once a guaranteed top 10 show on NBC, was relegated to cable's Country Music Television this year, a continuing slide for the American institution.

I bring up Miss America because of Sunday's Miss Illinois Outstanding Teen Pageant at John A. Logan College. Miss Illinois Outstanding Teen is affiliated with Miss America. Fifteen of the state's brightest teens, ages 13-17, will contend for the crown, competing in interview, casual wear and evening gown competitions.

Herrin's Karen Sala, executive director of the pageant, said two of the contestants have not told their friends about coming to Carterville for the state competition. They're a little embarrassed, she said, with the attention.

Personally, I have found the pageants to be a great way to melt away shyness and build confidence in young girls. It takes a degree of refinement, culture and intelligence to compete. There's nothing, absolutely nothing, to be ashamed of.

I had a cousin who went through junior high and much of high school with me as a shy, awkward teenager. Her braces, lack of makeup and long, stringy hair added to her nerdy reputation. By her junior year, she blossomed as a singer and leader after her involvement with Miss Teen USA. She won the Tennessee state title, to my astonishment, and made it into the national pageant from Mobile, Ala. After that, she was the most poised, most popular and proudest girl in our high school.

I'm not saying that pageants are for everyone. But they are an effective way of teaching girls to stand before an audience, speak their mind and show off talent and smarts. It helps them deal with butterflies and pressure that few experience. We should celebrate the best and brightest in our communities, not stigmatize them. So if you're thinking of attending the pageant Sunday, go ahead. You and the girls have nothing to be ashamed of. It should be a source of pride, just like the old days.

Youth league baseball

My son, Zach, made his debut in youth baseball this season, and it reminded me how much fun watching the little guys can be.

On one field earlier in the season, tee-ball players were running to third base, instead of first base, after getting a hit. That always cracks everyone up. It reminds me of the simple joys in life, ones I wish I could bottle forever. It's been interesting to see the different coaching styles in my sons' leagues.

Zach's coaches are laid back and focus on fun. I've enjoyed baseball for a lifetime, and want him to enjoy it, too. His coaches are helping me facilitate that. They even let him pitch this week, and it turned out better than his panicky father thought it would.

My other son, Blake, is stepping up into an older league this season.

His coaches keep the accent on fun, but they're fantastic about correcting mistakes. I am guessing that Blake has improved 200 percent since practice started in April. If your kids are in youth sports, consider yourself lucky. I can think of no better quality time than being at the ballpark with my boys.

Before the season is over, shake the coach's hands and thank him or her for spending time with your kid. Encouragement and coaching make a positive difference for a lifetime.

Marion baseball

I have heard some frustration about the Marion baseball team. Why build a stadium before the city has a team?

The answer: Marion is going to have a team, I think, as a member of an independent league. If owners of the team want to play ball in 2007, they have to move forward with construction of the 4,000-seat stadium just west of Interstate 57.

The stadium has spurred economic activity near the site, called "The Hill," and will be an economic engine for Marion that will pump millions into the economy.

The hardest part will not be building a stadium. It will be signing players and building a winning team in an independent league, with no minor-leaguers provided by a Major League club.