A Halted Return to Old Sports Programs for Young Coaches

Global Pandemic Threatens the Communal Experience of Baseball in Lake Bluff

A+Halted+Return+to+Old+Sports+Programs+for+Young+Coaches

Luke Davis, Staff Writer

Almost all kids in their childhood participated in an organized sport. Not as many, however, have gone back and helped that organization. For Lake Bluff Baseball, however, that has always been the case.   

“I loved playing [Lake Bluff Baseball] as a kid,” junior Zach Porter said. “I wanted to come give that same experience to another generation.”

These coaches are just another part of the experience for the kids, as these seasons are some of the best times of their lives, as they get to do something they like while being with their friends. 

“I made a lot of good friends playing,” said current Lake Bluff Baseball player Logan Marsch. “I get to play for an awesome team with growing friendships. Not only that but with younger coaches, we both learn from each other.”   

This year, however, has already been different due to the Coronavirus. Winter workouts have been canceled, and some first-time coaches haven’t been given the full experience.

“With it being my first year working with Lake Bluff Baseball, it’s just sad to see everything that has happened because of Coronavirus,” said Junior Wilson Irvin. “[It] has been shutting things down left and right, and I really hope that we can still have the summer season.”  

I wanted to come give that same experience to another generation.

— Zach Porter, Former player returning as Coach

Lake Bluff Baseball has proven that it is being played for everyone in the community, not just the kids. The whole community wants it to be played, as well as many of the former players as they want the kids to have the same experience they had. 

“Lake Bluff Baseball is a community-wide program,” said junior Ryan Cassidy. “If it got canceled I don’t know what the town would do.” 

Not only is it a memorable time for the citizens of Lake Bluff and for the community members, but it is also some of the most memorable years for the players. 

“I really want the kids to be able to play all four years in the program as I did,” said Irvin. “These were some of the best summers ever playing with my friends and making so many memories.”

The players also (obviously) want their season to happen, but with Coronavirus still a threat, the future is unknown. However, the players would be happy with any sort of season. 

“We would be sad if it was shortened,” said Marsch. “But we would also be thankful to have a season.”

Daily North Shore