Town teams waiting to take the diamond

Season hinges on Gov. Walz decision

by Adam Conroy 

There is one last hope for those who want to see baseball played on local diamonds.  But unless the state of Minnesota gives the go-ahead, the great American pastime will strikeout.

Strike one went to high school baseball after spring sports were cancelled during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Strike two was American Legion baseball.

Now amateur baseball (town team) is the last hope for fans and players.  But that, too, waits in serious limbo.

According to the Minnesota Baseball Association May meeting minutes, there will be no amateur baseball played until Gov. Tim Walz gives the approval to play.  No teams are to play any scrimmages or exhibition games until further notice. The MBA Board of Directors has checked with legal counsel and they have stated the association must adhere to the guidelines set by Gov. Walz.

The Minnesota Baseball Association Board of Directors drafted a letter that teams and fans can send to Gov. Walz.

The letter states:

Honorable Governor Walz and State Legislators,

Minnesota Amateur Baseball’s board of directors has sent you two letters outlining our recommendations to open baseball in the great state of Minnesota and keep all the players and fans safe.

This letter is from the heart of amateur baseball, its players, managers and league officers.

For those of us that play, baseball is more than a hobby, it is a way of life.

Many of us have played for decades with our fathers, brothers and sons.

We don’t get paid and play for the love of the game. We understand that precautions need to be taken to assure everyone’s safety and if they are done we feel baseball is a logical “next step” of opening up our state.

Eagerly awaiting your reply.

Play Ball!!!!

MBA is asking town ball supporters to send an email to support@mnbaseball.org and they will post it on their message board.

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