As we all continue to adapt to these unusual circumstances, I wanted to share with you what we are currently thinking about as we wait out this unfamiliar and turbulent time.

As previously mentioned we continue to follow the lead of the City of Bloomington which is generally adhering to the requirements and recommendations of the State and Federal mandates and guidelines.

With that we are still hopeful that we can bring you and our community (and surrounding) youth baseball.  As most of you already know, our season starts “later” than what some of you are accustomed too especially those that are coming across the parking lot from our sister organization, BJLBA.  While I would like to say that this was foresight on our part this year, it is actually our norm since inception for a couple reasons.  First, it allows our High School players to finish up their season and not miss much of MCSLBA Spring Season activities (which sadly could be a moot point this year).  Secondly, most of you know that Indiana springs are not usually kind on the weather front so we like to hope that Mother Nature gets most of its pinned up rainfall out of its system before we actually start.

So what this all means is that we still have time to weather the storm.  So as previously mentioned the officers got together this week to discuss the situation and formulate a game plan.  Generally, these are the key points that we landed on…

• We will continue to shutter all activities (including Travel Ball) until further notice.
• We will continue to follow the City recommendations and mandates.
• We will keep our calendar of events as-is at this time, but will evaluate things again in a couple weeks if not before (expected around the week on April 13^th).
• We have decided to extend the minor division “early-bird” pricing until April 12^th.
• We will continue to “wait-list” all new registrations, honoring pricing based on when you register (no payment at this time).
• We WILL look to accommodate players and families which could mean modifying normal spring season protocol and rules.

With that, I do want to touch on the last bullet point because I think it generally speaks to our overall mission.  What this is in reference too is that our league has always tried to bring baseball to the kids in our community in a matter that provides full inclusion.  This year will be no different.  So with no current specifics in mind at this time, what we are asking is that if you (and you are between the ages of 12-18) want to play baseball, REGISTER NOW.  From there and based on registrations we will come together to formulate a season(s).  This could include multiple divisions (for example our normal 12-15 and 16-18), double headers or a hybrid.  We know there are kids being displaced whether be it through the possible cancellation or severe condensing of their high school season or as a displaced travel ball player we want to provide everyone an opportunity to play this year.  So my shorter point is, REGISTER NOW and WE WILL FIGURE IT OUT.

While I hope this message sheds a little more light on what we are currently thinking, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us if you have any questions or comments.  Thank you and stay safe.

Kyle McAninch

President MCSLBA
president@mcslba.org