While watching a recent TV show, the near irrelevancy of the once-popular encyclopedias was a subject of discussion. In today’s fast-paced technology-driven world with information available at the touch of a finger or voice command, it is easily understood how those once familiar door-to-door knowledge salesmen are now a thing of the past.

To a somewhat lesser degree, that old standby of word information, Webster’s Dictionary, may be looked upon by those under 18 as a museum piece.

For those whose teenage years are but a distant memory, have you ever wondered just how Mr. Webster and crew decide just what words are to be included? The answer is very basic. The editors of the publication constantly study the language as it’s used. They carefully monitor which words people use most often and how they use them. When a word is used frequently in varied publications, both written and electronic, and becomes somewhat commonplace, the word ‘makes the cut’ and becomes part of Webster’s Dictionary.

If it hadn’t been included in Webster’s word compilation previously ‘virtual’ would have no trouble gaining immediate entry in today’s world. As Webster states, virtual is defined as “being so in effect, although not in actual fact or name.” Welcome to the world of 2020. Although the homes we are now sequestered in are indeed real about everything else we are doing these days is ‘virtual.’ So far, Webb Weekly has not asked me to submit a virtual column, but it did get me to thinking.

As we approach May, we are still very much engaged in a virtual world which most folks have accepted as a way of turning the tide against COVID-19. But, right or wrong, impatience is setting in, and the longing to ‘open-up’ our society is very real. As of this writing, Governor Wolf’s latest ‘go’ date is May 8, the reality of that is yet to be determined.

Let’s take a ‘virtual’ peek into the future to see what we may learn.

Using sports parlance, by May 8, the 327 million inhabitants of the United States will be lined up in the starting blocks as if they were sprinters on a track team. When that gun goes off, some will race out of the blocks as fast as they can and run out of gas way before the finish line. Others, in their anxiousness, will stumble and fall and be trampled by the herd, similar to what was witnessed in their zeal to obtain toilet paper a month ago. Some, who have carefully plotted the course, will proceed with endurance and purpose and successfully cross the finish line. Sadly, some who shouldn’t have entered the race in the first place, will succumb to the riggers and be left in the dust.

In ‘reality,’ I don’t own rose-colored glasses, a crystal ball, or an Ouija board. I do have in my possession a glass that is literally half-full. It was a gift from some co-workers a few years back intended as a joke (I think) in deference of my sometimes looking at things from the half-empty viewpoint.

Although folks don’t like the circumstances, we are in most have been able to retain a degree of optimism. There have been some wonderful, heart-warming stories that have uplifted the spirit of human kindness. There have been ‘virtual’ birthday parties, celebrations, meetings, and sporting events that lack the camaraderie we all seek but ‘have been better than nothing.’

But referencing Webster’s ‘virtual’ definition, what will the immediate sporting world look like once things begin to get back to a near-normal? The professional sporting world is on hold with the likelihood of additional cancellations waiting. The high school spring sports season is ancient history. The South Williamsport Lions Club has canceled its annual District IV football showcase. Little League International has been holding to a May 11 ‘wait and see’ scenario with local leagues left in limbo regarding any kind of 2020 season; not to speculate if a 2020 Little League World Series may even be possible.

MLB’s attempt to play a season has included several suggested circumstances, with most including play at neutral site locations in Florida and Arizona, without fans in attendance. Recent Associated Press reports have indicated that Commissioner Rob Manfred and MLB are pushing forward their plan to eliminate 42 Minor League teams at the conclusion of the 2020 season — if there even is one. The Williamsport Crosscutters and most of their NYPEN League brethren are left wondering what the future may hold in store.

The NFL conducted their annual player draft last week under most unusual surroundings, but at least it was real. College sports are between a rock and a hard place. Financially, football is the ‘cash cow’ upon which most collegiate sports depend. They all need football, but will fans be willing to pay their money and turn out in large numbers to watch the games?

We are fortunate to live in an area that provides numerous outdoor recreational opportunities. There are streams, mountains, hiking trails, and community parks that are real and not ‘virtual’ for us to enjoy. Indeed, we all want to get back to normal as soon as possible, but when lining up in those potential May 8 starting blocks, it may best to be like the tortuous and not the hare.

Our beloved sports will return, and when they do, they will have an even greater meaning and importance in or lives.