WADSWORTH, Ohio — Northeast Ohio youth baseball leagues are coming up with plans to get back on fields after Gov. Mike DeWine gave the green light for limited contact sports to resume play on May 26.
Steve Fleck, the president of Wadsworth Youth Baseball, said after 400 kids missed out on April practices and opening day in May, he's excited the entire season has not been lost.
"We didn't think it was going to happen as fast as it did and we're prepared, as long as we keep our kids safe, to get back to some sense of normalcy," Fleck said. "
Fleck said the initial plan is to hold practices the first week and June and play games from July through October.
With social distancing concerns, Fleck isn't sure if kids will be able to sit next to each other on the benches or possibly spread out in the stands. He said parents may also have to line up six feet apart along the fences to watch games.
"We're going to do everything we possibly can within the guidance of Medina County and the city of Wadsworth to get ready to start playing again," he said.
Greg Biddulph, the communications director for Wadsworth Youth Baseball, said the pandemic has been tough on the kids who miss their sport and friends.
"I think just to be able to see our kids be able to get out and engage with their friends again, I think that's the most important thing—just to really see our kids enjoy themselves again," Biddulph said.
Wadsworth City Schools practice fields and tracks remain closed through June under guidance of the state.
Wadsworth High School Principal Steve Moore said the district would consider reopening facilities if those guidelines were relaxed prior to then.
