Stock up on peanuts and crackerjacks because baseball is back in Prince George.
After its 2020 season was cancelled resulting from COVID-19 public health orders of the time, the Prince George Youth Baseball Association (PGYBA) says it’s gearing up for summer 2021, regardless of what that may look like in the months ahead.
In a release, the PGYBA says current provincial protocols will allow the sport to take place across the city, whether it’s an all-practice season, inter-association games or a combination of both.
“As it stands right now, we are ready to give the kids a full-value season no matter what health measures are needed,” says spokesperson Amanda Langevin, noting this year’s goal is to have fun, learn and grow the game.
“We always end the regular House League season when the school year ends, so families can enjoy all their summer plans together, but the kids get to go outside, make new friends, reconnect with old friends, and have some fun developing their skills at a game they can enjoy the rest of their lives,” said Langevin. “I think after a long winter and all the concerns over COVID that kept us inside for so long, this is something positive for the kids to enjoy.”
For youth sports in B.C., age 21 and under, the current orders state they’re limited to training and practice.
This means all participants must maintain a three-metre distance from each other.
Games, tournaments and competitions outside of an association’s community are also temporarily suspended.
According to the PGYBA, hundreds of kids have already signed up for 2021 across its seven age categories:
- 5U = Born in 2015 or 2016
- 7U = Born in 2014 or 2015
- 9U = Born in 2012 or 2013
- 11U = Born in 2010 or 2011
- 13U = Born in 2008 or 2009
- 15U = Born in 2006 or 2007
- 18U = Born between 2003 and 2005
The PGYBA season is expected to start mid-May, which will be dependent on weather and field conditions, and barring any sudden changes to provincial health orders.
Registration deadline is set for midnight on Thursday (April 22) for interested athletes.
For more information, you’re asked to visit the PGYBA’s website.
The Prince George 18UAA Knights continue to be the reigning Baseball BC champions from the last full competitive season in 2019, whe they also claimed a third BC Minor Baseball title in four years.
The 15UAA Knights won the provincial championship on home soil in August 2019.
