Little League baseball could return in July

By Mike Zummo
Posted 5/20/20

 

If all goes well, you could hear the ping of metal bats hitting the ball at local Little League complexes this summer.

George Serrano, administrator of District 19, which governs local …

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Little League baseball could return in July

Posted

If all goes well, you could hear the ping of metal bats hitting the ball at local Little League complexes this summer.

George Serrano, administrator of District 19, which governs local Little Leagues, has announced a tentative plan that could see Little League practices in the district begin on July 6 and games to begin on July 25.
Little League International canceled the World Series and regional tournaments on April 30 and the sectional and New York state tournaments also were canceled, giving the local leagues more flexibility.

Under the current plan, which Serrano stated could change at any time as the situation remains fluid and changes daily, the season could extend into September and merge with the fall ball schedule. At the conclusion of regular season, the district will have a single-elimination tournament and each league will have the option of participating.

“There is no doubt that things will look a little different this year,” Serrano said in a statement. “Each league is faced with challenges on their field availability because they may typically play on school fields or at town parks who may elect that they not be used.”

Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s NY PAUSE order expired on Friday and the reopening was scheduled in four phases on a regional basis. As of Friday, the Mid-Hudson region, of which Orange and Ulster counties are a part, was not ready to begin Phase 1.

Serrano said Little League falls into Phase 4, which covers arts, recreation, and education. He also stressed that the dates are tentative.

“We want to assure you all that the safety of our players, families, volunteers and spectators are our primary concern,” Serrano said in the statement. “This modified season will only happen after District 19 has carefully evaluated the conditions in the area and has consulted with local health officials on our plans.”

Serrano said he has been speaking to the district’s leagues over the past 35-45 days to discuss the possibility of playing this season. They’ve put together guidelines and a plan for how they’re going to facilitate the games.

“We’re going to try to have a season and give these players a chance to play,” Serrano said. “We don’t know what’s going to happen a week from today, but we have a plan. We want to play, and we have people who want to play.”

With the state closed for much of the regular season, some residents had wondered about refunds.
Montgomery Little League officials announced on May 1 they will issue refunds for all players who are registered to play spring baseball or softball, although league officials said they intended to participate in any season that Little League will be able to pull off.

The Wallkill Area Little League has a refund form on its website.

“We want to get the kids on the field, but the main thing is safety,” Serrano said. “Everyone has to be safe. I’ve got the leagues and I’ve got good people who are willing to get things done. We’re in a good place. I’m hoping things work out.”