BY JIM MISUNAS
Kansas Governor Laura Kelly continues to delay plans for Great Bend Chiefs summer baseball. Phase Two was scheduled to begin May 18, which would’ve allowed baseball practices.
But Thursday’s “executive order” issued by Kelly recommended that organized sports facilities, tournaments and practices continue to be delayed for two weeks.
Darrin Hall of the Great Bend Chiefs had hoped to start summer baseball practice May 18 with a doubleheader scheduled June 2 at Larned. Fourteen local players are committed for baseball. The Kansas Senate will meet May 20 with a possible opening game date delayed until June 8.
"Kendall Francis from the city of Great Bend said the Governor's orders are in place until next at least Wednesday when the Senate meets," Hall said. "He thinks the ballparks will be closed until then. All the parents are on board and the players want to play baseball."
Great Bend High School baseball coach Randy Beck and Landon Sciacca have signed up to coach the 14-player Chiefs team.
“We’re making plans to play baseball as the Great Bend Chiefs,” Hall said. “These boys got cheated out of a spring season. This year, summer baseball is more important. It’s an opportunity for them to get better as players.”
Kansas American Legion baseball canceled zone and state tournaments last week. Independent teams could still play baseball, but Kelly’s decision likely delays that opportunity for two weeks.
“The biggest struggle is not knowing,” Hall said. “You hate to make too many plans because of the unknowns. We’ll do everything we can to make it a safe environment.”
Hall said summer coaches from Salina, Newton, Larned, Hoisington, Ellinwood, Russell and Pratt indicated they would like to play a downsized schedule.
