Laramie Rangers Hold First Practice Amid Pandemic
It was finally time to get back to work on Monday for the Laramie Ranger Legion baseball team.
For the first time since the COVID-19 shutdown, Laramie held practice to try and get ready for the 2020 season. They did so at Washington Park in two separate sessions.
The Laramie Ranger Legion Baseball Board of Directors put a restriction on the amount of personnel that can practice together at this time, which is 15 total between coaches and players. Laramie split their roster between the two practice sessions.
Players had to have their temperature checked before entering the practice area. That was followed by immediately being sprayed with hand sanitizer. Coaches wiped all the baseballs down with disinfectant wipes, and the team made sure to pay attention to social distancing guidelines of six feet apart, as well, as wearing masks.
Manager Aaron Lozano told KOWB,
“It’s definitely different. We’re adjusting to follow all the guidelines and restrictions, but in the end, I’m glad we’re back to baseball, even if it’s just drills.”
Lozano mentioned they probably won’t be able to get on a baseball diamond until after the upcoming Memorial Day weekend.
The Rangers 18-player roster isn’t quite finalized, as he’s received paperwork from a few unexpected players.
The biggest task Lozano admitted was having to rework their schedule.
“I hope to have that close to being complete by the end of this week.”
Laramie won’t have a home game until after June 1, Lozano added, but he’s hoping perhaps to find a road game or two next weekend, May 30 or 31.
Lozano also confirmed the ‘AA’ head coaches in Wyoming have approved doubling the conference schedule. The Rangers were scheduled to host Gillette, but play at Cheyenne and Sheridan in conference games. They will now play all three league foes home and away this season.
KOWB (AM 1290) will be broadcasting games during the 2020 season. We will announce which games once the schedule is released by Coach Lozano.