After a tough 2020, members of the local baseball community are optimistic for a better 2021 on the diamond! Plans are underway to return to play for the children of the London and District Baseball Association (LDBA).
Registration is underway across the region, workouts are taking place, and everyone is hopeful we can return to action this summer.
LDBA President Derek Brooks says things were difficult in 2020. “It was a challenge in 2020 for obvious reasons. Many associations across the province made the difficult decision to cancel everything, and we really couldn’t blame them,” Brooks said.
LDBA was no different, with all but two local groups (the London Badgers and the St. Thomas Cardinals) choosing to sideline the season for 2020.
“The Badgers and Cardinals formed mini bubbles with the Intercounty Baseball Association to get the players on the field,” Brooks said. “It was a very short season, but it allowed for some activity for the players.”
As we move into 2021, there has been more planning and discussion on what a season might look like. From league play, and the formation of bubbles, to tournaments and championships, there is no doubt that it will look a little different then normal.
In the LDBA, the strategy has been to plan as our group always does, and pivot and adjust as needed. Baseball Ontario, as the governing body, will release a return to play protocol in the coming weeks after consultation with government officials and health units to determine what the baseball season will look like.
“The number one priority of the LDBA and its member associations is the health and wellbeing of all its players, coaches and families,” says Brooks.
More information will be available in the coming weeks, and updates will be posted on the LDBA website at www.ldbabaseball.ca and also on the Baseball Ontario website at www.baseballontario.com.
Submitted by LDBA Baseball
