Little Leaguers step up to bat

Photos by Angelo Vansant

THREE STRIKES AND COVID’S OUT

The East Meadow Little League put stringent measures in place to ensure a safe 2021 summer season.

BY ANGELO VANSANT

Dugouts are filling back up with

young athletes. Parents are ready to see their future all-stars return to the diamond ready to go. The light at the end of the tunnel is near as life is slowly but surely returning to normal. Little League will not entirely return to normal in 2021, but it will adapt to the new protocols. Only three players will be allowed in the dugouts. The other athletes will have designated spots on the bleachers to maintain social distancing. Adults must wear masks while on the field or in the dugout. “Our players wear masks in the dugout, and it is their choice to wear on the field. All our managers and coaches have to wear [them],” said Stephen LaSala, commissioner of the East Meadow Baseball/Softball Association.

Chewing on sunflower seeds is a long-held tradition at all levels of baseball that will not be allowed during games this season. Food and drinks will not be available for purchase this season, either. Equipment that is traditionally shared will not be allowed.

The East Meadow Little League will have extra sanitized equipment so the athletes do not share. Coaches will have extra catchers’ equipment. Each team will use a different ball while at bat.

“If all our parents and guests in the complex follow the state and county guidelines, we should be able to keep everyone safe,” said LaSala.

East Meadow will have sanitary equipment throughout the complex to keep all areas Covid-free. Dugouts will be cleaned before and after each game by the teams. After each game, the opposing teams will not shake hands as a show of sportsmanship. After games, coaches will not hold team meetings, and players must quickly exit through the outfield gate. This season will not be a normal one, for sure, but it will allow the young athletes to take to the field and play the game they love.

“If all our parents and guests in the complex follow the state and county guidelines, we should be able to keep everyone safe.” - Steve LaSala