Although Ohio Governor Mike DeWine recently announced that baseball and softball may resume activities on May 26, there is one area organization that has instead opted to shut down for the 2020 season.
The Triad Junior Baseball-Softball Association (TJBSA)has canceled its summer campaign.
According to an e-mail received by the Journal-Tribune from North Lewisburg mayor Cheryl Hollingsworth, organization officials stated they were planning to follow the governor’s coronavirus guidelines to begin the season.
Those mandates included six-foot distancing for players, coaches and spectators, along with daily virus symptom assessments.
Coaches were ordered to wear face coverings at all times and a six-foot distance must be maintained while the ball is in play.
“TJBSA was planning to follow the guidelines to have a summer season,” the mayor wrote. “But with the limited resources and liability risks, TJBSA may not be able to 100% meet its high standards and requirements to keep the children, families and attendees safe from the virus.”
As a result, Hollingsworth, the village council and Jon Jon Roberts, president of TJBSA, have agreed to cancel the summer season.
“Other villages have canceled their season, so not to risk endangering the spread of the coronavirus,” according to the mayor.
The North Lewisburg community park will remain closed for the season.
There remains a chance that athletes will have another diamond opportunity during the coming months.
“We will revisit having fall games, but it is totally dependent on the coronavirus infection rate,” wrote Hollingsworth.
“We know everyone is disappointed with this decision, but a healthy community is most important to us all.”