Following Little League International’s announcement that the Little League World Series will be canceled due to the coronavirus pandemic, Everett Little League President Oscar Vega said he will continue to hold out hope that the league can play some games in an organized format this summer.
“While we’re disappointed that there will be no Williamsport Tournament, our main concern is the Jimmy Fund Tournament because we raise a lot of money for District 12 and cancer research,” said Vega. “We play baaeball for those kids who can’t play.
The ELL leader said Everett annually enters the “Take A Swing For Cancer” Tournament and plays against area teams. Players and their families raise funds and all proceeds from the tournament go to the Jimmy Fund.
As for the local season, any decision to play games at Sacramone Park will depend on Mayor Carlo DeMaria granting the league permission to use the field while making sure that the environment is safe for players, coaches and spectators.
“My understanding is that once a decision is made to open all the parks, that’s when the they’re going to reach out to all the organizations and we’re going to meet and determine a schedule, field use, and playing times,” said Vega. “We’re hopeful that we’re going to have a season – and I’m going to hold out to the very last minute before I think of canceling a season.”
Vega said even if organized, intra-league play is not a possibility, he would consider a process where the 12-year-old players serve as captains and select players for sandlot games.
“We’re going to try to get the kids involved all the way from T-Ball to Majors,” said Vega.
Everett’s Crimson Tide Pop Warner organization usually starts practices on Aug. 1 at Sacramone Park. Vega said he would be amenable to talking with Pop Warner officials about use of the field after the start of the Pop Warner season.
“Even if we have to go to another baseball field in the city, I’m willing to do that as well,” said Vega.