Wright City aldermen are striking a note of caution in regard to plans for youth baseball, softball and tee-ball this summer, over concerns of whether the organizing league will adopt new safety …
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Wright City aldermen are striking a note of caution in regard to plans for youth baseball, softball and tee-ball this summer, over concerns of whether the organizing league will adopt new safety rules in response to COVID-19.
Aldermen discussed the sports programs during a public meeting May 14. Mayor Dan Rowden asked whether the New Horizons Baseball League will adopt rules that encourage increased distancing between players and officials.
Wright City Parks Director Curt Kehoe told the board that league directors are meeting this week to decide on their final rules and schedule.
Kehoe passed away the following day.
During the May 14 meeting, city board members expressed their desire for any baseball and softball programs to have the blessing of the Warren County Health Department. Until the New Horizons League delivers a final decision on special rules for this season that can be reviewed, aldermen said they want to wait on a final go-ahead for local games to proceed. “I just don’t want us to be out of sorts on (the question of) liability,” said Ward 1 Alderman John O’Connor.
City Attorney Paul Rost advised that there are many unknowns when it comes to the future of COVID-19, making the situation difficult to judge. However, he commented that parents can make their own choice about letting their kids play baseball, with the city doing its part to implement health measures.
Ward 2 Alderman Tom Dixon asked what the city would do if other league participants aren’t doing as much as Wright City to preserve public health.
Dixon motioned to allow the parks department to proceed with preparations for the baseball season, with the condition that the New Horizons League provide information about its participants and safety measures. Aldermen were set to reconvene May 20 to review the information and make a final decision about the season.
Proposed new rules for the New Horizons League include repositioning umpires further away from players, and barring lead offs to reduce situations where two runners end up on the same base.
Practices for teams in the New Horizons League were scheduled to begin May 11, with games set to start June 1.
The proposed plan for games in Wright City would include expanded seating areas for teams so players can remain 6 feet apart, as well as providing hand sanitizer for all players. Umpires would also carry extra balls and sanitize them frequently.
Twelve teams from Wright City are currently signed up to play ball.
During their May 14 meeting, aldermen voted unanimously to approve refunds for any families who had signed up but decided not to participate in baseball, softball or tee-ball this summer.
In Warrenton, youth sports organizer Total Sports Management announced this month that the Lincoln County Athletic Association League, which includes Warrenton, won’t begin any games or practices until June 1. The league will reevaluate its start date at the end of May.
