By Taylor Gibson (JMU Writer, Class of 2022) For the past 22 years, Harrisonburg Little League Association has impacted the young players to lay out the foundations of the future baseball and softball players these talented kids will become one day. However, for the last two years, it was not easy to accomplish its goals. At the start of the 2020 spring season, HLLA was put on hold due to COVID-19. “COVID shut us down completely,” said Dean Warlitner, current president of HLLA. “Registration was about over, and we were at 325 players, which was above our 280 averages.” In the 2021 season, HLLA had a decent year with few unpopular safety measures to protect the city from the pandemic. The safety measures included handwashing and hand sanitizer stations at field entrances, social distancing of 10 feet between all players, coaches, volunteers, contractors, and spectators, measuring temperatures before heading to the field, daily symptom checks by all players, coaches, umpires, and league officials before games, practice and game attendance recording, and notifying health officials if COVID-19 would occur. This season, HLLA has no restrictions at games, so they will have concession stands open and events such as the Opening Day ceremony and Batathon Fundraiser. HLLA is following the CDC guideline and the policy of Harrisonburg Park and Recreation. HLLA is back on track and has already surpassed Wartliner’s goal of 325 players, “As of the morning of March 31st, HLLA consists of 329 players, and registrations for most age groups are closed,” Wartliner says. COVID-19 has become a regular trend here in Virginia with wearing face-coverings and keeping the community of Harrisonburg safe. “I loved playing in Little League growing up and am happy to give back to the community I live in,” said Josh Moran, co-manager in the Minors league and an Assistant Coach in the Farm league. “Right now, both of my boys are loving the game. I’ve always wanted to be a part of what’s going on in my kids’ lives, and coaching gives me a chance to do that.” Lately, there are more younger players in the league. Wartliner likes it and said, “I look forward to our t-ball players and families. They are the future, so we want them to love HLLA. “I am looking forward to Nights at the ballpark. It can be hectic with multiple kids and multiple nights and leagues, but these days will only last for so long. So, enjoy them while we can!” adds Coach Moran.
HLLA is still looking forward to adding more players 13 and up. Visit www.hlla.org to receive more information about registration or volunteering with HLLA for the 2022 season.
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DisclaimerHLLA Story is an official blog site of the Harrisonburg Little League Association. All content is managed by Bluestone Communications, a student-run public relations agency at James Madison University. Please contact Isaac Woo ([email protected]), faculty director of Bluestone Communications, if you have any questions about the blog or the stories. Archives
April 2021
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