HTL season put on hold

Sauk Prairie Home Talent League manager Lucas Koenig is holding out hope. The same goes for Cross Plains skipper Randy Meinholz. But both men know the only thing certain right now is uncertainty. Last week, the HTL’s Executive Board pushed the start of the season back to June 7 at the earliest due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The season had been slated to begin on April 26. There’s a distinct possibility that the season will be canceled at a later date. But for now, everyone around the league is keeping their fingers crossed that things will improve in the weeks ahead and the HTL will have some type of a season. “I know the Sauk Prairie Twins are hopeful HTL will return in 2020,” said Koenig, whose team reached the Final 4 last year. “We have a team of guys very passionate about baseball and who really like spending time together.  “We do understand, though, the importance of keeping people safe through social distancing. We are also hopeful that some form of Night League can happen. If the restrictions are lifted and it is safe to play baseball we will be happy to play ball.” Meinholz agreed. “First off, there is a lot of time between now and June 7,” Meinholz said. “There will be so much more information coming in that we may all be thinking different by then. Things seem to be changing every day, if not every hour.  “No matter the media bias, or what anyone’s political view is, we still have the best people in the world watching this thing. We need to put our trust in them. We truly live in the best country in the world. “If life as back to somewhat ‘normal’, I would like to see the season happen in 2020. Again, if and only if, it is reasonably ‘safe.’ ” HTL president Pat Reilly told teams the following last week: • They’d like to start the season on June 7. • The goal is to play the Sunday League, and if possible, the Thursday Night League, as well. • They’d like to have some form of playoffs. • Teams have told Reilly they want a baseball season this summer. “The HTL board will monitor the situation and continue to lead the effort to move toward a season,” Reilly said. “We ask your patience as we study the impact of something we have never seen before.   “This is not a Wisconsin health problem, a US health problem, but it is a worldwide health problem and a pandemic. We are also in touch with other amateur baseball leagues in Wisconsin, and they are dealing with the same issues we are. Be assured, we will do that right thing when it comes to the safety and lives of our teams, players and fans.” As teams now sit in limbo, they’ll have to answer the following questions: • Will finding enough players to field a team become an issue? • When will baseball diamonds be available? • How can players stay sharp between now and whenever the season does begin? • And what might the season eventually look like? Both Meinholz and Koenig believe putting a team together won’t be a problem.  “I do not believe the Twins will have any issues with our roster,” Koenig said. “Currently we have a large committed roster.” Meinholz also said numbers wouldn’t be an issue for the Businessmen. “While I haven’t heard from everyone, most of my roster is anxious to get going,” Meinholz said. “I don’t believe I will have any trouble getting a roster put together — keeping in mind that I will certainly respect anyone’s decision to sit out part or all of this season.  “I realize that all teams may not have the luxury of having plenty of players like I do. In addition, I believe the league will have to respect any individual teams that may not want to play this season — even if it means maybe realigning some divisions for this season.” As of now, fields are closed indefinitely under Gov. Tony Evers’ “Safer-At-Home” order that’s in effect until at least April 24. So, teams are doing whatever possible to stay sharp. Koenig’s group has had a virtual practice through Zoom. They also have an online league of “MLB the Show” on PlayStaion.   “For many of us we need something to fill the time that would have been spent coaching, playing or watching baseball,” Koenig said. Meinholz said he’s “encouraging my players to stay in shape on their own.” If and when the league does return, it will likely need to make adjustments from past years. The season could be shortened or games could be played on Saturday and Sunday instead of just the traditional Sunday games. If the Thursday Night League is canceled, the Sunday League could also play on Thursdays. There could be limits on attendance. Food and beverage sales could be sanctioned. The playoffs could feature fewer teams and games. All of these are questions for another day. For now, those in and around the league are hopeful they can actually start on June 7 and have some type of season. “First and foremost, I certainly would not want to put anyone — players, fans, etc. — in danger by having a baseball season,” Meinholz said. “However, at some point, we will all have to weigh the risks of this virus ... and life will need to get back to some sort of normalcy.” Whether that happens in time to have an HTL season remains to be seen.