Governor says “Play Ball!”

The governor of Iowa is keeping America’s favorite pastime alive even as the pandemic continues its crawl across the country. Beginning June 1, Governor Kim Reynolds is allowing high schools to begin their baseball and softball seasons. The announcement came as a surprise to many who have gotten used to steady-tempo of announcements for summer event cancellations.

Ultimately, the Iowa High School Athletic Association and the Iow High School Athletic Union will make the final decision on whether to proceed with the season. The governor’s announcement is merely approval for them to have the option.

Governor Reynolds’ nod of approval for reopening ball fields came the same day as her announcement allowing bars and theaters to reopen, as well.

The provision permitting school’s to start their summer athletic season, including baseball and softball, is codified in the state’s public health proclamation document. It says: A public school or nonpublic school . . . may reopen for school-sponsored activities and learning effective June 1, 2020, but only to the extent that such activities and learning are consistent with guidance of the Iowa High School Athletic Association and the Iowa Girls High School Athletic Union, as applicable.