America's Past Time Eager for America's Reopening

Perhaps one aspect of life Americans have been missing most during the sweep of the coronavirus across the country and the resulting shelter in place orders has been sports. Athletics, professional and amateur, play a defining role in American life, and the sport most closely associated with all things American is baseball.

And now, with Governor Steve Bullock instituting a phased reopening of the state, baseball may be the sport that will fill everyone's sports void. Students, fans and coaches did not have a traditional spring season as the Montana High School Association canceled all spring sports for the season given the lack of time available for necessary practices and competitions due to restrictions imposed as a result of COVID-19.

However, fans may soon hear the distinctive crack of a bat at local fields, provided the phased reopening of Montana continues. Glasgow and Valley County have so far remained free of the virus, but other counties have not fared as well. Any baseball schedule will depend on the ability of other counties to field teams while also providing safe environments for athletes, coaches and fans.

The Glasgow Cal Ripken League met on April 26 to discuss the possibility of a 2020 season, according to a Facebook post on the group's page. After announcing that online sign-up will be available, the post by Stan Ozark continued, "Now...much depends on Governor Bullock and when and if he decides to move Montana into Phase 2 of reopening the state. If Governor Bullock moves Montana into Phase 2 on or before May 22 the tentative plan is to have baseball during the month of June. One month of baseball with number of games to be determined. If Montana isn't moved into Phase 2 by May 22 the season will be cancelled."

If the season proceeds, it will be limited to the Majors, ages nine through 12, only with a complete cancellation of the Minor League this year. Ozark stressed that the goal of the League is to provide a safe and fun environment for the kids. He also said that the board's plan is tentative as they, along with everyone else, is trying to navigate through uncharted territory, yet organizers remain tentatively optimistic they will have a season.

That guarded optimism is also on display when it comes to Babe Ruth and Legion baseball this year. Board President Mike Pehlke told the Courier they were having a meeting April 28, meaning decisions were unavailable at press time, but "looks like we will be having a season."

Legion coach Jack Sprague said the league has received some guidance from the league's national and state levels, but that final decisions will be made locally with deference to local authorities on the ability to proceed. State Legion had cleared clubs to begin practices as of April 27, but the local board will be discussing the decision at their meeting to determine when they might be able to start.

Pehlke also noted that the Babe Ruth season will depend on other towns in the region, "... from what we have gathered about half are looking to play as well." He hoped local leaders would have more information next week as other communities weigh their risks.

So grab your apple pie and prepare to cheer on the baseball players as they pave the way for American life to return.