I finally got the call from the bullpen kids. Heading back to work tomorrow morning. I really enjoyed my time away. Taught school, played some hoops and fished every single day. 41 straight. My little sidekick took the news rather hard. Jensen has been my best buddy throughout it all. I am going to miss being a stay at home dad. 

Breaking News. The 2020 Little League World Series has been cancelled. Steve Keener with Little League International informed us on Thursday. Tough but sound decision boys and girls. The COVID-19 crisis has made it literally impossible for all the teams to convene. This will be the first cancelation in this program’s incredible history.

“This is a heartbreaking decision for everyone at Little League International, but more so for those millions of Little Leaguers who have dreamt of one day playing in one of our seven World Series events,” Little League president and CEO Steve Keener said on Facebook.

Eighty-two regional qualifying tournaments and seven World Series events, including the Little League Softball World Series, were docked. The 2020 MLB Little League Classic, which was going to feature the Red Sox vs. the Orioles on August 23 in Williamsport, is also cancelled. Unfortunate indeed. 

The organization made the decision after consulting with Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Wolf, along with local and federal health officials. Social distancing and International travel concerns also played major roles. 

“Many of the travel restrictions that are in place will have significant impact on our ability to have teams from other countries participate in qualifying tournaments and ultimately to come to the United States for a World Series tournament based on the complexities that will be in place this summer,” Keener later said. “We’re as disappointed as anyone. We’ve never had to do this before.”

Several area golf courses are set to reopen this week. Special thanks to a local politician who traveled all the way to Harrisburg to voice his opinion. I heard from the folks at Belles Springs, Corey Creek, Clinton and Whitey Deere. All were excited to get back on the links once again. It has been a very touchy and highly debated subject. I just hope everyone reads and obeys the fine print before they tee off. 

Courses throughout the Commonwealth will now follow some rather interesting CDC guidelines. I don’t know if every place is the same but according to White Deer’s website- this is insane. Good luck enforcing. Bring back the rangers. Hey. That’s my picture. Here are a few highlights from their presser. 

The safety of our staff and guests will not be compromised. In order to help us keep everyone safe and limit interaction with the staff all tee times must be booked and paid for in advance allowing you to check-in with the starter and tee off while continuously maintaining the CDC recommended 6-foot distance from our staff and other guests.

You may not see the correct rate after you’ve logged into the booking engine. If so, please call the golf shop directly to book your play and pay via phone with a credit card. Additionally, our rates have been simplified so we apologize, but additional discounts, gift cards, and rain checks will not be accepted for payment towards online tee times at this time.

No access is permitted to some club facilities, including but not limited to; the clubhouse, golf shop, bar, restaurant & driving range.

Restrooms will be available at the clubhouse with limited access, and mask will be required upon entry.

Tee times will be limited, and intervals will be 14 minutes apart. 

All players MUST HAVE A TEE TIME. No walk-up play will be allowed on the course.

Tee times MUST be booked through our online booking engine or our App. All Tee Times must be Pre-paid in advance. Cash will not be accepted until further notice.

Cart use will be single rider or you may walk. Cart use may be limited at times. Although our staff will be sanitizing carts each day, we please ask that you follow extra sanitation needs.

No groups larger than 4 players

Please show up no earlier than 10-15 minutes before your tee time to avoid interaction with other groups.

Unannounced entry to any part of the golf course will be not be allowed.

All golfers MUST maintain proper social distancing at all times, this is mandatory, no exceptions.

For guest safety, the following will be removed from the golf course: rakes for bunkers, ball washers, water coolers, sand bottles & restrooms. Please use your foot to smooth out the bunkers to the best of your ability. No scorecards or pencils will be provided. 

Until further notice putts are not to be holed traditionally. There will be flagsticks, and the cups will prevent the ball from entering the hole. The flagstick is to remain in the hole and should not be touched for any reason.

No loitering in the parking lot before or after play. 

Unprecedented. Cheers.