By Kate Hill
Staff Writer
Due to COVID-19, the Cazenovia Baseball Softball Association (CBSA) was forced to cancel its spring baseball/softball programs.
In an effort to provide children with baseball and softball opportunities this summer, the organization is introducing two free initiatives: the “2020 Summer Sandlot Fun League” and the “2020 Summer Learn to Play.”
According to League President Brian Gardner, 188 players were registered for the spring 2020 season.
“We usually average anywhere from 150 to 180 players, ages 5 to 12 years old, for T-ball, baseball and softball . . .” Gardner said. “Like many organizations who had to cancel plans due to the COVID-19 pandemic, we were really disappointed. We had a lot of momentum this year and exciting plans for the season. We waited as long as we could and didn’t officially cancel until the end of May. We felt that it was the best decision and we immediately turned our attention toward organizing a program that could be started at a later date . . . We wanted to offer opportunities for all levels in a fun way while still improving skill development . . . They are all one evening per week, so they are not a large commitment for families, and with the help of volunteers, we are able to offer them for free.”
The Sandlot League for AAA/Majors Baseball and Majors Softball is open to anyone interested in playing the sports in an informal environment.
“The [league] is designed to give our older players an opportunity to just play pick up style baseball and softball games the way we did in our backyards when we were kids,” said Gardner. “ . . . We hope the kids will have a positive experience working with their peers and coming together to have some fun on the fields.”
Coaches and volunteers will be present to ensure that players follow safety guidelines and maintain a positive environment. Coaches will help divide players into teams to ensure balanced skill levels, but the kids will be responsible for making the lineup, choosing positions, and playing the game.
Baseball games will take place on Thursday evenings from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at Burton Street Fields, July 15 through Aug. 20.
Softball games will be held Tuesday evenings, from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at Fenner or Vets Fields (TBD), July 13 through Aug. 18.
CBSA will also be offering outdoor skills clinics for T-ball and Minors Softball/Baseball players.
“We had a lot of success this winter with indoor baseball and softball clinics [conducted] with help from JV and varsity baseball players and Caz College softball players,” said Gardner. “The kids improved their skills and had a lot of fun in the process. These summer clinics piggyback off of the success of those clinics for our younger players. Kids will be able to get more attention than they would normally get during a regular season practice.”
According to the CBSA website, the “learn to play” T-ball clinic is open to boys and girls ages 5 and 6 (before Sept. 1, 2020).
Players will be divided into small groups to work on batting with a stationary tee, throwing, catching, and base running.
The Minors Baseball and Softball clinics are designed for players ages 7 and 8 (before Sept. 1, 2020) who would have played minors baseball this season, and for players ages 7, 8 and 9 (before Dec. 31, 2020) who would have played minors softball this season.
Players will be divided into small groups to work through drills focused on the fundamentals of hitting and fielding. There will also be some scrimmage/game play.
T-ball and Minors Baseball clinics will take place on Tuesday evenings, from 5:30-6:30 p.m. at Burton Street Fields, July 14 through Aug. 18.
Softball clinics will take place Thursday evenings, from 5:30-6:30 p.m. at Fenner or Vets Fields (TBD as reopening progresses), July 16 through Aug. 20.
Parents are asked to stay for the duration of each clinic.
Players must be registered and submit a completed medical release form to participate in any of the CBSA summer programs.
Register online at visitcazbaseballsoftball.org/cazenoviabsny.
According to Gardner, the summer plan is contingent upon a successful Phase 4 reopening in Central New York.
“It is our understanding that Phase 4 is set to open at the end of June or beginning of July,” he said. “They recently announced that teams can practice outdoors with 10 or fewer players. We set our start date for July 14 to give us enough time to ensure that we will be able to play and complete field improvements at Burton Street and Vets Fields.”
To help keep players, spectators, volunteers and coaches safe, the organization has set forth the following guidelines:
Participants are asked to stay home if they are feeling unwell or are experiencing any symptoms of fever, cough or shortness of breath.
Handshakes and personal contact celebrations are prohibited.
All players should bring their own water bottles/beverages. Sunflower seeds, other snacks, gum, spitting, etc. are prohibited.
All player equipment will be properly spaced. All shared equipment will be disinfected between uses.
Players will be properly spaced when not engaged in play. Dugout use will be limited.
Fans and spectators are asked to maintain appropriate social distancing, to bring their own chairs, and to limit the use of bleachers.
To learn more about Cazenovia Baseball Softball Association, visit cazbaseballsoftball.org/cazenoviabsny or email [email protected].
