The Mitchell Baseball Association said this week that plans for the summer seasons will remain on hold through mid-May.
In a statement on the association's website, Mitchell Baseball said its board of directors met on Monday, April 27 and discussed plans for the upcoming summer as it relates to COVID-19.
"We will continue to monitor and follow the guidelines set by the state and the City of Mitchell in relation to when we will be able to start our baseball activities," the statement said. "As of now, no team activities will take place, or updates on the season will be released until the middle of May. Hopefully at that time we will have a better picture of what the summer may look like."
Mitchell Baseball sponsored five summer baseball teams for players ages 13-19 in 2019, including American Legion Post 18 senior and junior Legion teams in the summer. The association also organizes Mitchell teener teams for ages 13 and 14.
The association also sponsors Mitchell High School's spring club baseball team, but the Kernels had their season canceled on April 7, in accordance with the South Dakota High School Baseball Association's decision to cancel all practices and games for the season following Gov. Kristi Noem's announcement to cancel in-person school classes for the remainder of the year. Mitchell spring baseball players received a refund for their playing dues after the season was canceled, the association said.
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The South Dakota American Legion Athletic Commission is expected to make a decision by May 15 on whether to hold a summer Legion baseball season in the state. Local post athletic officials and coaches are asked to follow local, state and national government guidance regarding limits of people who can come together in a group and consider social isolation factors before making a decision. The American Legion has already canceled regional tournaments and the national World Series play for 2020.
