While I was composing this letter you are about to read, trying to recollect what has transpired since March of 2020, the most obvious topic that will not go away is the Covid19 pandemic. This virus curtailed the amount of time we as Arbiters have spent on the diamond, and as you are well aware, has affected every aspect of our daily lives as well, let alone one’s health.
So, with the pandemic front and center, here we go.
First was the cancellation of the entire 2020 High School Baseball season, as well as the majority of the NCAA/JUCO season. Our annual rite of Spring Baseball was gone before it started. Our offseason extended, agonizingly longer.
Even MLB felt the pains of unprecedented disappointment, shuttering the Minor Leagues, forbidding fans in stadiums, and by delaying the Umpires cry of, “Play Ball”.
As our long lost Spring season turned into our Summer season, we witnessed one like no other. The 2020 American Legion Baseball season was cancelled throughout the entire State of Missouri. In fact, this was a summer so bizarre, that one league we serviced nicknamed itself the “Covid19 League”! It was a combination of “independent” teams joining together for the sake of our American Pastime. Those who put that league together should be commended for their efforts in giving the athletes the opportunity to play the great American game of Baseball.
The GSLAU is looking forward to 2021, Officiating Baseball under the American Legion Banner once again, in both 9th District and the long awaited Inaugural Season In District 10.
A big positive during this Summer, was acquiring the contract of American Legion Post 253, based in Festus, Missouri. Though their 2020 season was also affected by the pandemic, we look forward to providing them our services for many years to come.
The St. Louis Amateur Baseball Association’s 2020 season, also dealt with the ever changing public health restrictions. Fields that SLABA teams have played on for years, were now closed to the public. When their abbreviated season finally did get underway, it was due to (like all the other leagues we partner with) lots of scrambling and hard work. Much thanks extended for their efforts.
Another positive this Summer, was the pleasure of agreeing to a new contract, retaining a longtime partnership with the St. Louis Amateur Baseball Association. Thank You.
Giving thanks should also be directed towards the Administrators of the adult leagues we service, consisting of the St. Louis Forever Baseball League, and the Men’s Senior Baseball League. Their efforts in finding fields throughout the metropolitan area was also a relentless effort. Though we traveled a bit further, and called a lot less ball and strikes, those that were willing to face the virus, still got to “strap it on”, and sometimes “it” being a Covid19 mask!
Our 2020 Summer Tournament Season with Diamond Sports Productions was basically lost to the pandemic. The thought of the DSP management team trying to schedule games with teams throughout the Midwest, and securing field locations was much to overcome. We look forward to servicing many tournaments in 2021.
As the warmth of the Sun faded into the falling of leaves, the pandemic was still in control of what turned out to be an unprecedented 2020 High School Softball Season.
It was so unusual that some schools will be playing Softball in the Spring of 2021!
It has been many, many years ago, since one of our Members have called a strike during a MSHSAA Spring Softball Game, at least in the St. Louis area.
One positive outcome was that the Missouri State High School Athletic Association was able to declare a Softball Champion in several classifications (with one of our own being selected to officiate). The enormity of that task across the State was monumental, and should not be overlooked.
Also, let’s not forget our Assigning Authority, whose phone never stopped ringing due to the last minute changes in schedules, and locations, due to the health recommendations/restrictions across the Bi-State area.
One extremely proud moment for The Greater St. Louis Association of Umpires In 2020, was being recognized by author Ed Wheatley in his latest book, “Baseball In St. Louis, from Little Leagues to Major Leagues” (Reedy Press). With many of Our Members inducted into the St. Louis Amateur Baseball Hall of Fame (one more delayed in 2020, but to be added in 2021), the GSLAU has been a part of STL Amateur Baseball since 1939, and will continue during the many years to come.
So now, here we are.
As Rogers Hornsby was asked to what he did during the cold and snowy offseason, he replied, “I sit staring out my window, waiting for Spring to arrive “.
Like Hornsby wondered, what has our Spring in store for us in 2021?
Right now, looking out our window, I have high hopes, but with tempered expectations.
Your Board of Directors are still continuing in the planning of the upcoming 2021 High School Season (and beyond) consisting of meetings and training sessions, albeit in ways never attempted in the past. All GSLAU Members will be updated in the near future (e-mail), regarding the use of technology within this planning.
In my opinion, their efforts are deserving of much appreciation.
Finally, let us not forget those Members who have passed away in 2020.
May their memories bring a smile across your face.
On behalf of your Board of Directors, To You and Yours-
Continued Good Health,
Happy Hanukkah,
a
Blessed Christmas,
and a successful (pandemic free) 2021 Baseball Year!
I also want to personally Thank all of You, for the Loyalty and continued Interest in
YOUR Association.
It is You, the Members, that truly make us the –
GREATER ST. LOUIS ASSOCIATION OF UMPIRES
“Calling Strikes since 1939”
In the Spirit of The Game,
Jim Fetsch
GSLAU President
