CARENCRO — Youth baseball is usually coming to an end this time of year, but with the pandemic players got a later start to the season. Now local baseball parks like Pelican Park are taking several measures to keep players and their families safe, on and off of the field.
Precautionary measures begin at the front gate: everybody entering Pelican park must first have their temperature taken. Once inside, fans are encouraged to keep their distance.
City council member Danielle Capritto has been bringing her child to play ball, and says she feels safe with the precautions being taken.
"They mark the concrete here, 6 feet apart. If you want to put your chair, they suggest families sit together. They have social distancing signs, and they do a daily reminder on the intercom to make sure people are aware that they're practicing social distance," Capritto explained.
Benches have also been added outside of the dugout, encouraging space.
Baseball is typically a low-contact sport, but coaches have made several changes for their teams.
"When you go to shake hands, good game, we use the ball caps, keep the contact minimal. We have to make sure the kids don't get huddled up on each other too much, and are not sharing the same equipment,"Warchiefs Coach Lance Pitre said.
Even with a late start to the season, these parents say they are happy to see their children out of the house.
"They're not in school now, and they been confined to inside," Capritto added. "So it gives them time to come out and play with other kids."
