May 6, 2020 at 10:17 a.m.
Snowshoe baseball season canceled in Lake Tomahawk
Snowshoe baseball season canceled in Lake Tomahawk
By By Brett LaBore-
The Lake Tomahawk Snowhawks player/coach Jeff Smith made the tough decision to cancel the 2020 season, and the decision was made with health and safety as the top priority.
"At this point with the rules that the government has set for and with these gathering rules, we really couldn't try to figure out how to separate an average of 500 people in one setting," he said.
This is the first time the snowshoe baseball season has ever been canceled. It is possible this is the first summer without snowshoe baseball in 59 years.
"From my recollection (it's been) going on every single year," Smith said. "Maybe a season shortened because of weather or getting teams together."
Every Monday night starting in late June, Lake Tomahawk is filled with fans tuning in to see one of the most unique experiences the Northwoods has to offer.
With all those fans from all over the country, Smith didn't want to take a chance.
"I'm looking out for the safety not only of the team, but the workers of the booth (and those that run the park)," he said. "I would feel horrible if someone caught something or brought it home to their family."
Not only that, but teams were coming from all over and decisions needed to be made, specifically in terms of the concession stands.
"At this point, I had to make a decision," Smith said. "The concessions were ordering food and different supplies, the guys operating the popcorn."
Plus, the Lions Club and Lake Tomahawk made decisions regarding other summer events, that influenced this decision.
"The Lions Club pulled the plug on the parade and the town pulled the plug on fireworks, a decision that went along with everybody else. Not an easy one," Smith said.
There were talks of waiting and seeing if the pandemic turns for the better, maybe they could play some games later in the summer.
"By mid-July to middle to end of July, if there are no outbreaks at all and if we come out good on that ... (we) maybe (could) salvage the rest and get five games in," Smith said. "That did cross our minds."
When it comes to making pies and the money that comes from that, it will be in wait-and-see mode.
"I don't know what'll happen there. No pies made, all of that is put on hold," Smith said.
In 2021, Snowshoe Baseball will celebrate its 60th anniversary. Now that there is no season in 2020, next season will be bigger and better than ever.
"We're going to be excited for that, get some extra time to think about it and be a real good show for the fans here and for the community, but we will be excited definitely," Smith said. "I know our teammates will be itching to play."
Now that they have extra time, they can improve and get ready for next season a little bit earlier.
"Maybe we'll get it together and we'll improve the park this year and get it ready for big 60th anniversary next year," Smith said.
With all things considered, snowshoe baseball is taking the safe side for the health of the community.
"All these people coming from all over the place and not knowing who had what," Smith said. "Not worth the chance."
Brett LaBore may be reached at [email protected] or [email protected].
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