Even as New York seems to have minimized the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic in recent weeks and moves toward reopening, cancellations are still coming in.

Last week, New Windsor Little League President William Hinspeter announced in a letter that despite hard work from the league’s Board of Directors, they have decided to cancel the spring and fall seasons.
“Believe me when I tell you, we have been trying to come up with ways for this to work but the restrictions that would have been put down would make it impossible for this to happen and this would not allow us to provide the exciting season that our NWLL families have come to expect,” Hinspeter said in his letter.

In May, District 19, which governs area Little Leagues announced a plan that could have district leagues begin practicing on July 6 with a season that could begin on July 25 and stretch into fall.

Gov. Andrew Cuomo on June 14 announced that low-risk sports, which include baseball and softball, could begin on July 6 in regions in Phase 3. The Mid-Hudson region was scheduled to enter Phase 3 on Tuesday and is expected to enter Phase 4 on July 7.

Guidance from Little League International asks for no handshakes or personal contact celebrations and leaving the field as soon as possible after the game.

Players should bring their own personal drinks to all activities and players should not share.

Managers, coaches and umpires should wear PPE, such as cloth face coverings when possible. Players should wear them when social distancing is not feasible. Players also will be allowed to wear face coverings in the field.

Guidance from Little League also limits spectator attendance. While in Phase 3, only two spectators are allowed per child. Guidance has not been released yet for Phase 4.

Leagues can impose a limit on family members in attendance.
In New Windsor, all families that have paid for the 2020 spring season will have their registration rolled over to the 2021 season. Senior players who will age out of the league and will be unable to play in 2021 will have their money refunded.

“We hope everyone in the NWLL family can understand and support our decision and we also hope you stay safe and well,” Whinspeter said in his letter. “We look forward to seeing all of you and hopefully some new faces next year for the spring season.”