On behalf of the Board of Directors, let me begin by expressing our sincere thanks to you and your family for supporting our decision to temporarily suspend the season in support of our community’s effort address this unprecedented public health crisis. We have done our very best to navigate these uncertain times – both from a league standpoint, and like you, from a personal standpoint – and we hope each of you and your families are safe and healthy.
 
In 1939, the first ever little league game was played in Williamsport, PA, and in 1970, our very own Bayshore Little League made its debut. As the saying goes, “baseball is life” and there isn’t a little league around that characterizes that motto better than ours! As we entered our 50^th season, Bayshore little league baseball and softball was never stronger, however, the world, and our season, came to a screeching halt on March 12th when we had to temporally suspend play due to the novel coronavirus (COVID-19).

After consulting with city, county and state officials, public health experts, Little League International and Florida District 6, the Board of Directors has made the difficult decision to cancel the remainder of the Spring 2020 season. As parents of players ourselves, we know how disappointing this news is; however, it was made with your health and well-being, and the health and well-being of every player, volunteer, parent, spectator, umpire, and City of Tampa Parks and Rec staff member in mind. All little leagues within Florida District 6 have cancelled their remaining season as well. We thank you for your understanding and continued support.

How we came to this decision
There were two primary factors that led to this decision:

1. An uncertain timeline for when youth sports, particularly game play, could resume. Current city, county and state directives allow for outdoor activities but with strict social distancing measures that requires no contact and gatherings not to exceed 10 participants.
2. Significant loss of player participation in a delayed season. 35% of league parents surveyed indicated they would not participate or were unsure about participating in a delayed Spring 2020 baseball and softball season. Compound that with potential scheduling conflicts, summer weather, and player and fan health and well-being due to the uncertain nature of the spread of the coronavirus.

Financial Report and Update
As a 501(c)(3) organization (EIN #59-3339774), Bayshore Little League is a 100% volunteer organization and relies on registration fees, sponsorships and donations to underwrite operations. Besides coordinating play, we are solely responsible for the maintenance and upkeep of our world-class fields, batting cages, facilities, and equipment, along with capital improvements – several which we began earlier this season such as acquiring the Hyde Park field and our planned major renovation of our Fieldhouse Bathrooms. Annual revenues also provide uniforms, field equipment, insurance and Little League International dues.

While we continue to be responsible fiscal stewards with our finances, the cancellation of the Spring 2020 season, along with the postponement of our primary fundraiser Field of Dreams, offers some potential financial challenges for the remainder of the fiscal year and into next season.

For those reasons, many Board members have agreed to donate their Spring 2020 registration fees to the league as an investment in our mission and future operations. We hope each of you will consider joining us by investing your Spring 2020 registration fees in support of our league and our kids. Thank you in advance for your consideration and support (Note: $75 is tax deductible).

Recognizing the impact the coronavirus has had on our community and our economy however, the Board has agreed that any individual that registered and paid for the Spring 2020 season (excluding scholarship donations), is eligible for either a $75 credit toward a future season or a $50 refund via check. To make your choice please utilize this link to your spring registration and follow these instructions to complete your selection.

If you have questions about this process please send an email to [email protected].

If you would like to make an additional donation in support of Bayshore Little League, please send an email to [email protected] .

The Future of Bayshore Little League is Bright
Looking ahead, we will continue to work closely with state, county and city official and public health experts to possibly offer a Player Development Camp/Program later this summer, but only if conditions are right. We will continue to focus our attention on a meaningful Fall 2020 season and hope to have all our Spring players back on the field then.

We’ve endured a lot as a nation and community over the decades. From Cal Ripken, Jr playing 2,632 consecutive games to Jennie Finch blanking the opponents at the Olympics, to the current suspension of Major League Baseball, this beautiful sport we all love endures. Over the past 50 years, our Bayshore Little League has stood the test of time and provided important life lessons for thousands of boys and girls. Thanks to your unwavering support and continued involvement, our future is bright, and we know this temporary setback is just another opportunity to build character in our young baseball and softball players that will last a lifetime.

If you have any questions, comments or suggestions please feel free to reach out to me at [email protected].

Until we are on the field again, stay hopeful, stay strong and stay safe.
 
Respectfully,

Dan Greco
President
Bayshore Little League

Bayshore Little League, a 501(c)(3) organization (EIN #59-3339774), is a 100% volunteer organization that is solely responsible for the maintenance and upkeep of our facilities.