The Tribune

A RECENT surge in COVID-19 cases in New Providence has prompted both youth baseball leagues in the capital to postpone the projected opening date of their seasons.

The Freedom Farm Baseball League and the Junior Baseball League of Nassau traditionally open play in January. However, both organisations announced that those plans were altered by the pandemic.

Freedom Farm began competition in the 13-14 and 15 and over age groups, but a league-wide opening in all divisions was scheduled for January 8.

While no firm date for a league opening has been set, the executive board will continue to monitor the situation.

“Due to the high rise in daily COVID-19 cases locally, the board has confirmed it will delay the start of the 2022 Baseball Season that was scheduled to begin this weekend,” the league said in a statement.

“We are committed to getting games going but in a much safer environment. A further update will be provided in a couple weeks as we anticipate things getting better. Do continue to exercise all the health guidelines recommended so you and your family can remain safe.”

JBLN was expected to begin its season on January 12. “The Board of Directors has decided to delay the start of the 2022 Season until further notice,” the league said in a statement published on social media.

“Please be advised that all practice will cease starting January 3 until January 17.

No one will be allowed on the fields from that date.

The January opening date of January 12 will be delayed until further notice. We will evaluate the COVID-19 situation on January 17 and inform you accordingly.”

Both leagues hosted modified versions of their regular seasons in 2021 as the sport attempted to return from a mandated shutdown for much of 2020.

Baseball is arguably the sport with the most populous and effective development programme in the country.

Each of the leagues fields several hundred boys and girls ranging from age 4-18 in many different divisions.