Play Ball! Revere Youth League Targets July 6 Opening

Revere Youth Baseball and Softball League President Danny Dacey is hopeful that the 2020 season can begin on July 6 and consist of a full slate of regular season games and playoffs at Griswold Park and a district-wide All-Star Tournament.

Dacey said the league will follow all of the COVID-19 guidelines established by the national Babe Ruth headquarters under which umbrella the Revere league operates.

Dacey said he has discussed the tentative plans with Mayor Brian Arrigo and Parks and Recreation Director Mike Hinojosa.

“We’re looking to start having games right after the Fourth of July – obviously with some provisions such as participants being required to wear masks and practicing social distancing (6 feet apart at all times),” said Dacey. “It’s going to be a work in progress.”

Mayor Arrigo said the league’s goal of beginning the season on July 6 “is currently consistent with the way the City envisions a phased re-opening of our recreational facilities.”

“Everything will be dependent on the medical data that accrues during the coming weeks,” said Arrigo. “Assuming that the Board of Health is satisfied with the medical data, recreational sports would be permitted to being played subject to precautions that will be required by our Parks and Recreation Department.”

 The league is continuing to take registration online for the season. More than 550 players are expected to participate, though the youngest division (T-Ball for ages 4-5) may transition to instructional clinics only as opposed to games.

Teams would have preseason practices and a regular season schedule of 13-15 games followed by playoffs to be completed before the start of the new school year.

The league’s All-Star teams would compete in district-level tournaments against the 12 area communities in Revere’s district. The national Babe Ruth organization has canceled its annual Babe Ruth World Series.

“The goal is to get a season in for these kids,” said Dacey. “I know they haven’t been able to get out of the house as much as they would like. We’re trying to come up with the safest way so these kids can still play and still have fun at the game.”

 City Council President Patrick Keefe is a board member and coaches the Mustangs in the ages 13-16 Babe Ruth division. His son, Patrick III, plays baseball for the Mustangs.

“I’m hopeful that we can do something to get these kids out and have at least a modified season,” said Keefe. “Using the Governor’s guidance and safety precautions, I think we owe it to our youth to get something started.”

Dacey said the league would proceed directly into its games, meaning the traditional opening day parade would not be held. It is also unlikely that the concession stand would be open during games. Spectator attendance at games would be limited.

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