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With Lycoming County going green, many area Little Leagues are now scrambling. I mentioned to you a few weeks back that everything was at a complete standstill. Little League International had just pulled the plug on the 2020 World Series, and the future was unknown. Unprecedented territory for Williamsport’s favorite pastime. There have been many meetings since then, and it appears us folks in the 570 will have some sort of a season.

District 12 administrator Scott Linebaugh said we were good, and it was totally up to the individual charters. The mighty KEYSTONE Little League cancelled, but most of us will be fielding ground balls shortly. Why play for fun when there are no state and regional tournaments? International’s rules state that no games can be played at any level until two weeks of practices are completed. Hepburn Lycoming and many others are currently scheduling their openers. Every organization that is in the green is now allowed to practice, and the first official games are being scheduled for Saturday, June 20th.

The COVID-19 pandemic put EVERYTHING on hold, but this is a good step in getting back to normal. Little League International has still established many guidelines for each league to follow. Dr. Levine and the state also contributed. Mr. Linebaugh gave every local president a large binder at a recent powwow. There is a long list of new protocols for your parents and youngsters. I don’t have the time to cover every little detail. Nor do I really want too. But it is important to know that these are only guidelines. I will explain later. Insert emoji.

Teams will need to arrive at separate times so the fields and dugouts can be properly fumigated. No contact. No slapping fives or horseplay. Everyone on location must wear a mask. Coaches are responsible for making sure that all players and fans are practicing their social distancing. We suggest a bat length. Sharing equipment is strictly forbidden. Each bat and every ball must be wiped down after human contact. The home team will provide the umpire with the hand sanitizer wipes. Each league was encouraged to stock up on the new economy pack made exclusively for Little League by EASTON. No food or concession sales will be allowed. But you may set up a hot dog station outdoors. No condiments. Families are asked to bring their own drinks and snacks to every contest. Absolutely no sharing and spitting.

Kids are not allowed in the dugouts. They are totally off-limits. Each player will have assigned seats in the bleachers. Spectators may not sit with the children. The guidelines recommend that you limit the number of fans to each game. You will have to hang in the outfield instead. Team moms and grandparents are banned. Only immediate family members can attend the games. Folks may bring your own chairs, but they must be compliant with the USA Baseball standards. Totally eliminating those loud and annoying know it all relatives who played two years of high school baseball is strongly encouraged.

If you are scheduled to play another team that predominantly resides in a hot zone — you must get approval and a signed waiver from a Lycoming County Commissioner. Leinbach actually said that. The game is immediately canceled if the opposing team’s second baseman tests positive for COVID-19. These were a few of the major highlights in the package. I didn’t have the time nor the space to share all. We will get through this.

Okay. Relax. I may have stretched some. But it is important to remember that these guidelines from Little League are simply suggestions. They are not the final say, and I don’t believe they are actually state mandates. We learn something new every day. I could be wrong, but does this mean I can now opt out of my french fry duties? Look. I feel bad for our boys and girls, but we will find a way to get through this. I am just happy they will get the opportunity to be outside and interact with their friends without using a headset. Play ball.

I also hurt for the other leagues as concession sales are perhaps their only source of income. Several organizations simply don’t have the resources to purchase a brand new $600,000 digital scoreboard. I am not pointing any fingers, but paying for something this big doesn’t make any sense at all. This is especially true during these times when the short term is so unknown. In fairness to the great City of Williamsport, I won’t comment any further. I am still waiting on a call. Until then, I am actually excited that we got the green light to start playing some ball. Wear your masks. Cheers.