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Recent Clarinda A's News
There will be no Summer Sons, but there will be baseball
On May 27th the MINK League made the decision to cancel the 2020 baseball season. It was tough. Our league held out as long as they could to make the decision, hoping that something might change. In the end, the safety issues were just too big to overcome. We want to thank all of the college coaches and players who had committed to play with us this summer. We understand your disappointment and sincerely apologize.
League players travel from all over the country to stay in homes in our small town. Testing all players or staying quarantined for 14 days would have been nearly impossible. Even if we could overcome that hurdle, traveling to and from games maintaining safety on busses, in hotel rooms, and eating establishments posed further risk. Additionally, if just one member of the team came down with the illness, the entire team would likely need to isolate for 10-14 days, essentially ending the season.
For the Clarinda Iowa A’s, this means there will be no 66th season this summer. For a family-operated team, this reality cuts deep to our hearts. Pat Eberly (Mrs. E) has been popping corn and welcoming players to our community for 65 years. Summer without the A’s just won’t feel like summer.
While there will be no "Summer Sons" this year, in Clarinda there WILL be baseball. Iowa is the only state in the nation that plays high school baseball and softball in the summer. Recently Governor Kim Reynolds announced that Iowa high schools will be allowed to play a shortened summer season. Practice begins June 1st with games beginning June 15th.
There will be baseball played at Eberly Field this summer after all. It will look different, and the safety regulations and recommendations are numerous. Nonetheless, there will be baseball. Iowa is leading the nation as the first state to resume high school sports. A’s General Manager, Rod Eberly, also happens to be the Clarinda High School head baseball coach.
We pray for wisdom and safety for all players and coaches, and wish them Godspeed as they lead the nation back to baseball. At this time we are unable to open the concession stand, but we hope to see some of you down at the field.
The Clarinda Iowa A's are quickly approaching opening day of their 65th season. The "Boys of Summer" will begin to arrive late this week with the first game scheduled for May 29th.
A's General Manager, Rod Eberly is excited for the season to begin. "I'm excited about our roster. We have kids coming in from all over the United States. We have guys representing all levels of baseball from Division 1 to Junior College."
Eberly is also thankful for the ongoing support of local businesses who make the program possible. "We have so many long-standing business supporters and many new supporters this year as well. We are thankful that our community values what we are doing here with our baseball program. We couldn't do it without them."
House Parents are also an integral part of the program success. Community members will open their homes to around 30 players this season. "The House Parent program continues to provide a way for our community to connect with our players. It's a neat thing to share your home with these guys. They become part of your family."
The A's will play their home opener on May 29th at 7:00 against Peak Performance. Students admission is always free. Adult tickets are $5 with single season passes $20 and family passes $30.
