Following Governor’s Order, MSHSAA Cancels Spring Season

There will be no crack of the bats this spring.
This sports season won’t end with a final out or a decisive 4×400-meter relay.
It ended with announcements and news releases last Thursday.
The spring sports season, the start of which already had been postponed twice due to COVID-19, was canceled last week.
Missouri Governor Mike Parson announced the closure of all public and charter schools through the remainder of the academic year. The Archdiocese of St. Louis, which includes Valle Catholic Schools, also will not resume school this academic year.
The Missouri State High School Activities Association (MSHSAA) announced the cancellation of the spring postseason in a press release shortly after Parson’s announcement.
The closure of the schools will end the baseball, softball, track and boys golf seasons before any of them began.
“This decision is very difficult for all involved especially given the impact it will have on our students, parents, coaches, teachers, and administrators throughout the state,” MSHSAA executive director Dr. Kerwin Urhahn said in a news release. “We thank all of the participants, the coaches/directors/advisors, the administrations, the parents, and everyone else who has dedicated tremendous amounts of time, passion, and effort to these events.
“To our senior participants — we thank you for everything you have done for your schools and communities and wish you the very best in your bright futures,” Urhahn added. “While this is a difficult ending, the lessons you’ve learned and friendships you’ve made through high school activities will last your lifetime.
“The MSHSAA office thanks everyone involved for their patience and understanding throughout this process.”

American Legion national commander Bill Oxford announced on April 8 that the baseball program’s regional and World Series tournaments have been canceled. The news release from the American Legion’s national website noted the World Series was not until August but the season’s first games take place in May. …

The National American Legion Baseball Committee recommended on April 3 that departments put on hold any baseball activities — team meetings, tryouts, practices — until all restrictions have been lifted.
“These times are unparalleled,” said Richard Anderson, chairman of the National Americanism Commission. “And while it’s distressing to think of all those youths across the nation who are disappointed to learn of the cancellation of American Legion programs this year, it would be a much greater tragedy if even just one of those youth were to fall ill during a program.”

See complete story in the April 15 edition of the Herald.