The good news is that we will be playing in-house games every weekend at Jerry Hale Field into October, but the bad news is that there will be no fan or family use of the bleachers on either side of the clubhouse.
The dugouts are closed to children, so we have repurposed the bleachers as a socially distant alternative.
If you are interested in watching the games, please watch from the playground, the outfield, or Higgins Street.
Thank you and let’s PLAY BALL!!
National’s BOD has taken two steps to respond to the pandemic for spring / summer 2020.
As always, the safety and health of our players and their families, coaches, volunteers, and the community at large is our number one priority.
News of the postponement and possible cancellation of the National Little League Baseball season struck a chord with me. It appears the biggest strike three being thrown at the Jerry Hale Field on Hillside and Cook took place without ever stepping on the ball field. Misfortune has taken the bat right out of players’ hands from a pitch no one saw coming. No fault of anyone. Sad and very difficult news to accept for such a highly anticipated event in young players’ lives. One can imagine the challenging discussions coaches and parents will have trying to convey meaning to what has taken place. This crisis extends beyond the boundaries of the ballpark; it has drastically affected our community, province, country and the world in which we live.
Acknowledging the emptiness and disappointment is an important and meaningful way to hear and learn the concerns of our young players. We recognize we are in a drastically changed world where shutdowns are widespread. It may not make it easier, but players can have solace in knowing they are not alone. Dealing with disappointment takes courage and a responsible attitude. It can bring understanding, peace of mind and alleviate confusion. There is always a take-away. One conversational approach might be to make it relevant to the sport the players enjoy. Some of my thoughts as to how that conversation might go with young players……..
“Playing the sport you love gave you a chance to embrace being part of a team and learn what that means in terms of building character, trust and relationships. You have learned what it means to have a common goal with others and strive in every way to meet success. While striving for success, you encountered setbacks and losses. You learned to regroup, wait for the next opportunity and believe in yourself as an athlete. A sacrifice bunt on the field is similar to the sacrifice you are experiencing now. You are giving up something of yourself for the safety of the greater good. It’s a team approach; you receive instructions and execute the team wishes the best way you know how. Being an athlete is as much about what you do on the field as what you do away from the park. If you look hard enough, you can see how baseball has taught you skills you can transfer to your community.
It may feel like the end, but it is not. An athlete’s character is defined by how he/she handles adversity. How they take responsibility to adjust, refine and improve as a person are true benchmarks of the depth of an athlete. Skills and talent are only part of the equation of a person; sports is only part of the balancing act in life. It is important to learn from what sports has offered, besides the final score. You could not really prepare yourself for this curve ball thrown your way, but another chance to step up to the plate will come. When it does, dust yourselves off, re-grip the bat, and dig in like you normally would and prepare for the next pitch. You are all going to be okay; support each other and that support will provide comfort and hope.
– Coach Joe Cardle
Taking direction from the BCCDC, local health authorities, school districts, and parent Little League organizations, we will postpone the start of our season until May 11, 2020 at the earliest.
Effective immediately, all activities including batting cage practices, coaches meetings, coaches clinics and park clean-up day are cancelled.
We will continue to monitor the situation with our local health authorities and work behind the scenes to prepare for the eventual start of the season, and will endeavour to keep you updated.
Are you ready to play some Baseball?!?!
Registration for National’s Spring Season (April to June) is still open, but not guaranteed after March 19, as we are nearing capacity and individual programs are filling up. Register now to avoid disappointment.
Unsure about registering? Find out more on our Registration Page.