Riverside Park is empty now, but come June 5, it’ll host the Mount Vernon Oldtimer’s Softball League, which is open to people 32 and older.
Sam Vance, president of the Mount Vernon Oldtimer’s Softball (32 & Over) is planning a June 5 start to its 2020 season.
“We’re going to be about a month behind,” said Vance. “We’re going to try to keep people social distancing and we will recommend wearing a mask when not on the field, per state guidelines. Hopefully, everyone will stay safe.”
“Most of the guys that I talked to don’t want to do it,” said Dick Jessup, president of the 55 & Over league. “They don’t want to go through the hassle of (the COVID-19 regulations). You can’t even chew gum. You can’t have a dugout. You have to have separate balls for each team. You have to wear a mask off the field.”
The area parks have started opening, but the clock continues to wind down for Jessup and the 55 & Over league.
“If we do this, it will probably only be a six-game season,” Jessup said. “That will be a really, short season, and I’m not even sure that the sponsors will sponsor us, because I’m not sure if the sponsors are (back in business) yet.”
Jessup is getting in touch with the team coaches before deciding to go forward with a season.
“(A decision) will have to wait for everyone to get back to me,” Jessup said. “They have to get together with me. Then, I have to wait to see if I can get the sponsors back. We have to order uniforms. We haven’t even ordered game balls yet, and all of that still costs the same.”
Coed softball was scheduled to start May 3, but has been rolled back to a June 14 start date.
