Monday Mailbag: spring sports & MLB

SCOTT TRUXELL/independent sports editor

This week’s Monday Mailbag features questions about re-starting spring sports, the new OHSAA schedule, state track and field, Major League Baseball’s proposed schedule and spring sports previews.

Q: Here’s a question for you: what if schools re-open after May 4, say May 11 – will the Ohio High School Athletic Association still move forward with spring sports? Name withheld upon request

A: That’s a good question.

Last week’s memo sent from OHSAA to schools said “School facilities are closed through May 1 due to the Coronavirus COVID-19 pandemic. If the closure is extended beyond May 1, the OHSAA will provide updated information. If school facilities do not reopen this school year, there will not be a spring sports season.”

I’m taking that to mean if there’s another short delay, it’s possible that another revised schedule could be issued by OHSAA.

However, let’s hope it doesn’t come to that, but either way, I’ll try to get some clarification from OHSAA.

Q: Isn’t this whole shutdown an overreaction? Businesses are being destroyed, schools are shut down and kids are being cheated out of their senior sports seasons and for what? Name withheld upon request

A: As I’ve said before, I’m not a doctor or scientist, and I’d like to think the people qualified to make these decisions are doing the right thing, but I’m not about to debate that here.

No doubt it’s frustrating on many different levels, not just sports. This has affected millions and millions of people one way or another.

As far as sports, I understand it’s disappointing and it’s unlike anything any of us have ever encountered.

I’ll just say better safe than sorry.

Q: Our area athletes deserve better than this – let’s hope the OHSAA does the right thing and sticks with the new schedule. Name withheld upon request

A: I agree, I wish the kids weren’t going through this. Actually, I wish no one had to go through any of this.

Keep in mind if schools don’t reopen next month, it’ll be pretty hard to justify starting spring sports. It wouldn’t be a popular decision among fans, players or their parents to cancel spring sports, but it would be the proper one, if school buildings remain closed for the remainder of the academic year.

Q: I’m curious – how did the Ohio High School Athletic Association come up with the three different sites for state track? It seems odd that state meets would run at a high school. Name withheld upon request

A: The short answer is Ohio State’s facilities are closed for the summer and are not available. They’re not the only ones to shut down their facilities due to COVID-19.

The three high schools – Hilliard Darby, Pickerington North and Westerville North are all spacious Division I facilities. I’ll add that all three are centrally located and are fine facilities. Plus, they’re willing and ready to do it if necessary.

My hat is off to all three for stepping up if needed.

Q: What are your thoughts on MLB’s proposal to play all games in Arizona? Is that something that could really happen? Name withheld upon request

A: I have to admit, it’s one of the weirdest things I’ve heard in sports. Then again, these are weird times.

Personally, I don’t see it happening, at least in it’s present proposed form.

There would be two leagues – the Cactus League and the Grapefruit League – and both would be a mix of American League and National League teams.

If it happens in that format, the whole season would be played out there. It’s not like teams would play a month then revert back to their home cities, divisions, etc.

No fans, no families, players living in hotels for four months or longer – I just have a hard time seeing this happen like this.

As a fan, I’d rather wait until June or even July if necessary and play a shortened schedule with traditional leagues, divisions and matchups. How many games would that be? It depends when they’d start. If it’s 100 games, 82 games, or even 75 games, so be it.

Q: Thank you for writing spring sports previews. I know it’s very possible that they’ll be canceled, but it’s nice to see the kids getting some recognition. Will you be doing track or just baseball and softball? Name withheld upon request

A: You’re quite welcome and we’re happy to do it. Let’s hope there is a spring sports season, even if it’s a shortened one.

Yes, we’ll feature Crestview, Lincolnview and Van Wert boys and girls track and field teams after we’re done with baseball and softball. We also featured Van Wert’s tennis team last Wednesday.

If you have a question for next week’s Monday Mailbag, simply email it to sports@thevwindependent.com.