While many communal activities are on hold during the pandemic, for some, none is more important than Little League Baseball. Contributor Brian Bahouth with the Sierra Nevada Ally has the story.
Little League baseball would be in the middle of its season right now. Kids 4 to 12 years old play in 3 separate leagues, Tee-Ball, Minor League and the Major Division. The Majors range in age from 9 to 12 years old, and for many kids who are 12, this would have been their last and possibly most memorable year of play.
Alfredo Alonso is a member of the board of directors of Reno Continental Little League.
“I think the kids are anxious. We as the league we're waiting to hear from, obviously, the governor and the league committee and ultimately, that will make our decision or final decision as to whether we play or not. We're hoping and we're being very optimistic, but again, it's ultimately not our call. But it's tough. It's tough on the kids, no doubt.”
Alonso said 200 kids play in his league, one of the smaller youth baseball programs in the area, and he can imagine a season that runs into the fall, but for him and Little League Baseball, player safety is paramount.
Reno area kids older than 12 do have the opportunity to play on what are known as “Club Teams,” which are hyper-competitive and intended to help young athletes become professional baseball players, but those teams have also suspended play. That’s not to say Little League ball lacks for competitive spirit, though the 2020 Little League World Series and associated 82 regional qualifying tournaments have been cancelled.
KUNR Contributor Brian Bahouth is the founder and editor-in-chief of The Sierra Nevada Ally.
