Youth Baseball Prepping For Season

With the American Legion Department of South Dakota opted to sanction a 2020 season, teams are gearing up in more ways than one and not having to stress over trying to find new jerseys or ask for more donations. On the task list is getting schedules/rosters built, putting together practices and making sure kids are staying safe. Some teams are giving each kid their own batting helmet, wiping down team bats and having fans practice social distancing.

Scheduling could cause a few limits, teams may decide to stay closer to home than venturing across the state. Teams could also opt for parents to drive kids to games rather than taking a team bus.

On the VFW front, despite sanctioning a season, the state rid itself of administration duties and setting up a state tournament. The South Dakota VFW has stepped in.

It will use the same format as its 16-and-under division uses, with four regional tournaments and eight teams qualifying for the state tournament on August 7-9 in Bryant. The regional tournaments would be played the week prior to the state tournament. Teams will also need insurance, to abide by state and national COVID-19 policies and receive permission from city officials to play.