by
posted 04/03/2021
Hello Nationals,
Please note that our first game day changed from Saturday (4/10) to Thursday (4/8) starting at 5:30 PM at South Ardmore Park (field D). So, we have the first season opener game! Also, we have a practice on Tuesday and Friday starting at 5:30 PM.
Since we are still assessing positions, and not all the players were able to make it to the first practice, it would be great to see the complete team on Tuesday. I suspect our practices will be very limited (if any at all) once the season starts since there will be 2 games per week. Please let me know if you have any questions or if your son can't make the game.
So far we have 2 catchers (William and Matthew) and several pitchers identified. We will mix up the fielding positions throughout the season to give exposure to all as long as they are safe and feel comfortable. I am forwarding some of the other relevant information that was sent by the commissioner below (sorry for the long e-mail).
John and Steve
Pitching: Note that each kid in our division is old enough to throw 95 pitches in a game. Also, you can take out a pitcher and bring him back later in the game, as long as he has been "in the game" the whole time -- i.e., not benched for a substitute in the interim. This rule should ensure that no team ever runs out of pitchers. The regular rest-day requirements are still in effect. So, any pitcher who throws more than 20 pitches must have a day's rest before his next day pitching. 36-50 pitches requires two days rest. 51-65 days pitching requires 3 days rest. Anything over 65 pitches requires four days rest. There is an exception if the pitcher reaches a threshold number while facing a batter; that pitcher can finish pitching to that batter without exceeding the threshold.
Safety Considerations
I suspect Wally may soon send out a league-wide reminder of our safety protocols for the pandemic, but here are some highlights to remember:
a) Everyone should be masked. It's possible that this rule may be modified to distinguish between when a kid is the field and when he's on the bench (which would be my preference), but until you hear otherwise, assume it's all masks all the time. If someone needs to take off a mask, make sure that person is socially distant from any non-family members. Kids on the bench should keep their social distance.
b) Nobody should share equipment -- especially catcher's masks. Each team should have picked up at least two sets of catcher's gear from the shed. Hopefully, each team also has players who are bringing their own catcher's ger.
c) Nobody should play or coach sick
d) No carpooling among non-family members (except for the Philadelphia trio on the Yankees)
e) Each team should supply its own game balls
f) No team snacks post-game