Outside of WA, Life–And Baseball–Returning to ‘Normal’

In order to keep perspective, it's a good idea to look outside our state every now and then. You WILL see that many states are much further ahead of us when it comes to fighting back to normalcy; economically, socially, and recreationally.

Friday, Babe Ruth-Cal Ripken Baseball's parent committee/organization released the first step of their Return to Play Program.

They're starting off with a pair of Eastern US baseball experiences, to be followed by, next week, a full return to play schedule of how teams can return to their fields, or at least start to. However, these are subject to individual state mandates.

In WA, we're still under lockdown, and doesn't appear to be changing dramatically.  Here's what Babe Ruth-Cal Ripken are doing:

"Today, be June 14th at The Ripken Experience Myrtle Beach and The Ripken Experience Pigeon Forge.

As we return to play, our mission continues to be providing the most memorable experiences in youth baseball.  During the pause of our programming, we have been working diligently with state and local health officials to prioritize the health and safety of our guests upon return to our facilities.  We will encourage parents, athletes, and coaches to join us in returning to play responsibly by learning our new ground rules.

Next week, we will share our full return to play plan that will provide the protocols we've instituted to allow us to return to the field."

It is presumed most of the seasons will be abbreviated, but at least it's BIG steps in the right direction for thousands of kids.

Kennewick's 2 youth leagues, Kennewick National and Kennewick American, are Cal Ripken Leagues.  Little League, the other major youth organization in America and overseas as well, has already announced they've cancelled their state, regional and World Series tournaments--effectively ending their baseball for 2020.  Richland, Pasco and Walla Walla are Little League organizations.