In a normal year, the Saskota Baseball League would be a couple of weeks into its season, treating fans to entertaining senior men’s games in many southeast Saskatchewan communities.
But obviously this isn’t a normal year, and the league has been idling, hoping to get some form of a season in.
President Kelly Trimble said that about a month and a half ago, they had discussions on how they could move forward. They decided to wait on Baseball Canada and Baseball Saskatchewan to give them and other leagues across the province to give them the green light.
“We are in a waiting period,” said Trimble. “There’s optimism about a start for the season at the beginning of July, but that’s just hearsay.”
From there, they would have to decide on a shorter season that would end in July, or an extended season that would last into August. Normally the Saskota season starts in mid-May and ends about 2 1/2 months later at the end of July.
The league would also have to make a decision on the year-end Harbourne Memorial Tournament that has been held in Kenosee Lake each year.
It could be tough to have that many people in one area for the tournament, but they might not have a choice. The league might also consider having a more traditional playoff.
Trimble is pleased with how teams have handled this situation. He has talked to some of the team representatives, and they want to get back out on the diamonds because they love the game.
“To have a season without baseball (is tough), I’ve played baseball since I was five, and I’m 38 now. Definitely I would miss it, but I guess the way of the world and the way of the league is safety first,” said Trimble.
Teams have been patient, and they hope to play a little baseball this year.
The nine teams who were part of the league last season – the Estevan Tower Wolves, Southeast Fireballs, Oxbow Chiefs, Carnduff Astros, Carlyle Cardinals, Redvers A’s, Arcola Threshers, Kenosee Cubs and Kipling Royals – were all slated to be back this year. The Astros won the Harbourne Memorial Trophy last year. The Wawota Pats had also indicated they want back in, but Trimble isn’t certain if Wawota would be back for a shortened season.
A schedule had been designed for 2020, using the format from last year, but the league had yet to have its spring meeting, so nothing was finalized.
