Rain forces Albion to push back start of youth baseball season to June 1
ALBION – Normally the Albion Midget League is well into its season but this year the six teams have only been on the field a few times for practice.
The season was scheduled to open on May 4 but was pushed back to May 18. Today, after a walk-through on the soggy Midget League Field behind the Albion Town Hall, opening day was pushed back two more weeks until June 1, nearly a month later than usual.
Dan Bartlett, coach of Sandstone Park, said the extra two weeks should ensure the six teams all get in enough practices to be ready for opening day.
After washouts on Monday and Tuesday, the teams hoped to practice today. But then the rains returned late this afternoon.
“Enough of this rain, enough,” Bartlett said.
Besides the muddy base paths, pitcher’s mound and batter’s box, the fields are so wet it’s hard to get a lawn mower out to cut the high grass.
The Albion Midget League, which started in 1956, will have an opening day ceremony at 11 a.m. on June 1, and all of the players – about 125 in the league – will be introduced at the Midget League Field. A ceremonial first pitch will be tossed and then it’s time to play ball.
June 1 also is the date for the annual chicken barbecue to benefit the league.
The season is slated to end with the championship game on July 20. The Barre Cubs have won the title the last four years. The other teams include Sandstone, St. Mary’s, the Vets, Rotary-Lions and Carlton.
