WEYMOUTH, Mass. — As youth baseball returns from its months-long coronavirus shut-down with some noticeable changes, Weymouth Babe Ruth League is opening the season by honoring front-line workers during the pandemic.
The league named two teams "Thank You Healthcare Heroes" and "Thank You Essential Workers," after the local businesses that had sponsored the teams in past years were not able to this year due to the financial toll of the pandemic.
The teams faced off Wednesday night during the first week back. Baseball, among other youth sports, opened up Monday in Phase 3 of the state's reopening.
Before the game, one of those front-line workers, Weymouth Police Det. Sgt. Rob Regan, threw the ceremonial first pitch to his son Connor.
"We came up with a plan to honor two groups that obviously pulled us through the last few months," said Brian Kintz, president of Weymouth Babe Ruth League. "This seemed like the right thing to do, take two groups that certainly meant a lot to us and honor them throughout the season."
The boys, aged 13 to 15, are playing with new COVID-19 guidelines for the league, including wearing masks when six feet of distance is not possible, particularly in the dugout and for infielders and baserunners.
“Outfielders won’t need them; they’ve got some space. Pitchers won’t need them; they have some space,” Kintz said. “Our main purpose was to try and keep baseball as authentic as possible obviously with health and safety at the forefront.”
Umpires and coaches are also required to wear masks at all times. Hand sanitizer is available in the dugout, and players are encouraged to keep some in their bags. Spectators must sit at least six feet apart.
Players are not allowed to high-five, fist-bump or make other forms of contact when celebrating.
Wearing masks while sweating under the summer sun is not easy for the kids, but they welcome the rules if it means playing ball again and seeing their teammates.
“We’re going to work as hard as we can, and we’re going to follow the rules to have fun,” said 15-year-old Zach Delgrosso. “Coming back to the field, it’s a good experience.”
“We’ve been sitting on the sidelines, the benches for a few extra months,” Kintz added. “And the kids are excited to get back out there - kids, parents, coaches, everybody.”
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