We are thrilled to report that we can start! Last Friday, we received clarification from the Governor's office with guidance specifically relating to organized youth sports.  Practices can begin June 1 while adhering to MDH's StaySafeMN Guidance for Social Distancing in Youth Sports. Per this guidance, Orono Baseball is moving forward as follows. 

Moving Forward - In House Leagues
(Instructional, Rookies, Minors, Majors)

In House Leagues will tentatively begin practices on Wednesday, June 3.  Parents, players and coaches will need to adhere to OBA's Safe Play Guidelines (attached below). The season will go through the week of July 27. This nets a season length comparable to past seasons. (This is tentative as we are still working on confirmation of field access from city & school officials.) The Governor has not provided a timeline for when games can resume, but we remain hopeful. If we cannot play official games, we have creative ways for these levels to get in game-like situations within their own teams. We will provide this guidance to coaches. OBA will still provide a uniform t-shirt, hat and socks to each player as included in your registration fees, but we do not have a timeline on those items yet. 

You must complete the Return to Play Waiver for each of your players before they can attend the first practice. Coaches will need to submit this waiver as well - you can do it in same session as your kids. Watch for communication from your coaches early next week!

Moving Forward - Travel/Tournament Teams

Travel/Tourney Teams can begin practices Monday, June 1. Parents, players and coaches will need to adhere to OBA's Safe Play Guidelines (attached below). The Governor has not provided a timeline when games can resume, but we remain hopeful. As of today, Leagues are hoping to start games on June 15 and the league would run until July 29. If it is determined that leagues/tournaments cannot start, we will refund uniforms and offer partial refunds on registration fees.

You must complete the Return to Play Waiver for each of your players before they can attend the first practice. Coaches will need to submit this waiver as well - you can do it in same session as your kids.  Watch for communication from your coaches later this week!

Opt Out

We recognize the complexity of this situation and the varying opinions and emotions surrounding it. Not everyone will be comfortable with their child playing. 

In-House Leagues: If you prefer to opt out of the 2020 In House baseball season, Orono Baseball is offering an 85% refund of your league fee or a 100% credit for the 2021 season. You also have the option to donate your fees back to Orono Baseball to help recoup operating expenses for this season. If you choose to opt out of the 2020 In-House season, please submit this form. Opt outs must be submitted by this Friday, May 29.

Travel/Tournament Players: Since teams are formed, communicated and registered for leagues and tournaments, it is more complex to lose these players. If you are not comfortable with your player participating this season, please email registration@oronobaseball.org to discuss opting out your travel/tournament player.

Thank you

We greatly appreciate your patience as we waited this out together. We are excited about these steps forward, and we cannot wait to see kids throwing a baseball around the field soon! Please do not hesitate to reach out if you have any questions.

OBA Board

Staying in baseball-playing shape is good for your player’s body and mind. Now that the spring snow is almost gone, encourage your player(s) to get back outside with some baseball activities! Here are a couple ideas to stay active & have some fun:

• Solo activities: Hit off a tee or Wall Ball 
• With sometime from your quarantine crew: Play catch or Baseball Ping Pong
• Additional activities on our Resources page

Parents - we know your plates are full right now with work, school help, etc. We do not expect you to instruct or coach your player during this time. These are just ideas you can give your player to get outside, play some baseball and have fun!

Mark your calendars for these upcoming OBA important dates!

Travel Coach Meeting - March 31 POSTPONED

Support OBA at Otten Brothers - April 13 - May 31

In-House Coach Meeting - April 23  POSTPONED

Opening Day  - Saturday, May 2 CANCELLED

Team Pictures - POSTPONED

Trivia Night Fundraiser for 12AAA Cooperstown Team - CANCELLED

Instructional and Rookie League Jamborees - Saturday, June 27

A big shoutout to the following teams for their accomplishments in League or a State Tournament during the 2019 season!!

Share your team photos with OBA! We want to see photos from all ages! Email them to photos@oronobaseball.org or TEXT to 763-355-4855 with team name and/or a caption, and we'll feature below and via social media!

View full Opening Day photo album here.