No Keystone Little League This Year

MILL HALL – Annual Little League baseball in Clinton County dates back to almost the birth of Little League baseball in nearby Williamsport. But there will be no Keystone Little League play this season.

The Keystone League took to social media on Thursday evening to make the announcement to players and their parents:

After a lengthy district meeting yesterday and a Keystone meeting this evening, it was decided due to multiple reasons, we will not be having our regular season league. Presidents will be in touch with you soon, to discuss your registration fees that were already paid. Thank you everyone for your patience these past few months.

League officials met at the Mill Hall Fire Hall Thursday and afterwards, Keystone administrator Rich Lyons said the main reason for the season cancellation was numbers, nearly half of prospective players did not indicate they wanted to play what would be a shortened season. With fewer numbers, Lyons said, players would have to be redrafted. There were also concerns expressed about the coronavirus, the possibility of contracting the virus and following Little League-mandated guidelines.

Lyons did say Little League-aged players may still participate in travel ball, but not under the Little League umbrella. He said there was talk of travel ball at the Thursday meeting. He also said Keystone will relook at the possibility of fall league play this fall, as has been held in recent years.

Lyons said he would “encourage” Little League-aged players to participate in travel ball, after “being stuck inside” for several months.

Some teams in Lycoming County are planning on having some level of Little League play beginning later this month.