Those of you familiar with Little League Baseball, particularly those who may be umpires or have some understanding of baseball rules, may be aware of the organization’s publication ‘Making the Right Call.’ The booklet provides case studies; presenting various baseball situations and invites the reader to make what they think may be the right call. It then provides the correct call that should have been made and explains the rationale.

As the sports world struggles to get back to playing the games, it certainly would be helpful if such a publication existed that would guide the decision makers in making the right call has to how to proceed in the current COVID-19 world. Almost without exception, those tasked with such decision-making calls are choosing to error on the side of caution in finding the delicate balance of playing the games and keeping the participants as safe as possible.

In last week’s column local high school athletic directors Sean McCann, Curt Chilson and Ken Tallman provided readers with some insights to what was taking place with their respective athletic programs. Those thoughts they were kind enough to share were valid in the moment they gave them but no one has a crystal ball as to what may happen in the days ahead. Currently, heat acclimation practices for high school football are scheduled to begin next Monday (August 10) with the remainder of the fall sports teams to begin organized practices August 17.

The PIAA has sometimes been a whipping boy for some of the past decisions they have rendered but this time around they appear to be the poster child for some optimism giving high school athletes hope that their fall sports will not fall victim to the cancellations that plagued the spring season. Realistically, there doesn’t appear to logically be a definition that would allow football to be played given the social distancing and related health precautions daily being directed to the populous. Those of us that love the game continue to hold out hope that ‘the right call’ will be forthcoming to permit the games to be played.

By taking their current course the PIAA can continue to extend hope to its membership as they really are in a no-lose situation. The ultimate decision as to whether we will have high school sports this fall rests with Governor Wolf, and the Pennsylvania Departments of Health and Education. They are the ones with the whistles in their mouths. Should they make the decision to close or delay the opening of the state’s schools, the PIAA’s decision shall be made for them. No school, no sports. The PIAA can truthfully tell all that they tried.

With the current non-decision status of Penn State and the Big Ten Conference, high school football stands as the only hope for local fans to cheer for their favorite team. The recent call made by the Middle Atlantic Conference shut down Lycoming College’s football season. Conference calls previously had delivered the same sad news to Bucknell, Lock Haven and Susquehanna.

Even in its peculiar state baseball fans were happy to see the late July return of Major League Baseball. The on-field competition was good and the broadcasters did a good job of making the game feel like it was ‘normal’ for the viewers and listeners. But even that happy sight was marred by several players testing positive for COVID-19, including nine Miami Marlins players after the team’s opening series in Philadelphia. The outbreak delayed the team’s return to Miami causing the Marlins July 27 home game against Baltimore to be cancelled. Such future outbreaks of the virus may threaten the ability of MLB to continue its plans for the 2020 season.

Since our area was placed under the ‘green’ status in June local sandlot baseball and softball games have given area youngsters a chance to enjoy the games they love to play. Although safety precautions are being implemented, such restrictions are a lot less stringent than those put in place by MLB or being talked about by the other professional sports hoping for a return to play.

Many of these softball games are taking place at the newly renovated Elm Park complex, which organizers made a call to re-name in honor of the late, respected Father John Manno. With no negative reflection to Father Manno some have suggested that the complex’s early volunteers were worthy of mention at the Fourth Street facility. Appropriately, visitors to the complex will see that a tribute has been placed on the outside wall of the field two’s third base dugout in the form of a large softball design. That recognition honors Sam Scoppa, saluted as the complex’s founder and architect.

We salute Elm Park for honoring the decades of meaningful contributions Scoppa’s labor of love provided. From this little corner of the world we’d like to send out a similar ‘atta-boy and job well-done’ to Donnie Phillips, who for many years worked alongside Scoppa doing the necessary legwork and scheduling the multitude of tournaments that made Elm Park one of the best softball facilities on the east coast.

As what has proved to be a hot summer continues its march toward the fall we hope all those entrusted with ‘making the right calls’ will do so to allow the games to be played in a safe environment for all concerned.