There is no doubt that the coronavirus has had a major impact on the sports world around the globe, including the Parkland. The hockey season was cut short and so many other events were cancelled as well.
Months have now passed and the sports world is returning back to somewhat of a normal schedule, in some cases. Golf courses in the province opened up back on May 4 which was a surprise to most as it was expected courses wouldn't open up until later in May and now, baseball is back.
The Dauphin Minor Baseball Association began its season last Monday with practices. Dauphin Minor features three rally-cap teams this season, two-U9, two-U11, two-U13, one-U15, and one U18 team.
Jodie Romanow says numbers for the season are down; however, it's just a good feeling to be back on the diamond.
"It's been a really good start. All of the kids settled into their new routine and safety guidelines and I think they're having a lot of fun," said Romanow. "It's just very nice to have some sort of season, even if it's completely different which it is."
Romanow says the biggest difference this season is not being able to use the dugouts. Baseball Manitoba has said at this time, all teams must stay out of the dugouts so social distancing is respected.
So practices have begun and now, Dauphin Minor will soon be able to take part in games. Baseball Manitoba originally had a target date to begin competition on Wednesday, July 1. However, after a very successful Phase 1 (Return to Training), Return to Competition can officially start as of today.
For Dauphin Minor, they won't be playing any games until July 1, a few days after they'll host an umpire camp this weekend.
"That's extremely exciting for us. We don't have any plans on travelling outside of the Parkland at this time, but I know there are teams from Ste. Rose and Swan River and around the Parkland that are excited to get to game action," offered Romanow.
When a season schedule is released, we'll have it here.
