News Sports Opinion Photos Social Classified Obits Contact
 
 
 

Youth seasons up in the air

By Michael Butler

Tallassee's youth baseball and softball teams are optimistic that games will be played in the coming weeks. Right now, everything is on hold until at least April 6, when school is scheduled to resume.

The softball girls had opening ceremonies prior to the stoppage of events due to the coronavirus scare. The boys opening weekend was planned for Saturday, March 28. That has been canceled and the annual ceremony will likely not happen.

Tallassee Dixie Youth Baseball commissioner Abe Rigsby expects the season to be played in some format in the future.

"Our plan is to try to salvage as much of the season as possible," Rigsby said. "Typically with all-stars starting in early June, we try to be done with the regular season by Memorial Day weekend. Our plan is to start back the week of April 6. If for some reason there are limitations on when we can start, it may go into June. We want to try to play baseball and do what we can to make that happen."

Charles Carwile is co-commissioner of the girl's softball league, and is on the same page.

"We're discussing doing the same as baseball," Carwile said. "We're paying attention to what the Alabama Department Public Health also recommends."

Dixie Youth Baseball has recommended that local leagues postpone play until further notice.

"I'm hoping they hang tight and not make a quick decision," Rigsby added. "If for some reason Dixie says we're not going to have any all-star tournaments, we would like to get our season in and maybe do something a little extra for the kids. The commissioner in Wetumpka contacted me last week and wants to get some teams in Elmore County to do something together. We're going to meet with some other leagues to talk about extending the season if possible and do something like an all-star atmosphere."

 

Dixie Youth Baseball opening day ceremonies will not be happening as planned on Saturday as the season is delayed

While practices have begun for DYB in Tallassee, Tallassee's Babe Ruth Baseball League is still in the registration phase with hopes of starting the season soon.

"We fully intend to have a season," Tallassee Babe Ruth commissioner Shane Yankey said. "Right now the beginning date is in limbo. Babe Ruth is planning state, regional and World Series tournaments."