June 25, 2020

The Nassau Guardian

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The Bahamas Olympic Committee (BOC) has launched a committee to assist developing athletes through its newly-formed Athletes Welfare Commission.

The commission’s mandate is to assist athletes from all disciplines to reach their full potential in preparation for local, regional and international competitions. The immediate support is intended to assist athletes who are attempting to qualify for the 2021 Olympic Games in Tokyo, Japan. Athletes on a case-by-case basis will be able to apply for assistance that would be a contribution toward their training and preparation for Tokyo.

“There are any number of needs that an athlete would have on the road to a qualifying event,” said BOC President Romell Knowles. “Whether it is equipment, transportation, dietary supplements or some other resource, the athletes are facing tremendous obstacles to be in the best position to compete. The commission’s job is to look at the applications and assist as best as we can – the best ways the BOC can help relieve some of those burdens.”

The national sports federations will be the point of contact for athletes. They will have access to applications through their national governing bodies. Once an athlete has completed an application, it must be endorsed by the federation and returned to the BOC through the federation.

“Fortunately, there are athletes already on Olympic scholarships, and some who have government subventions,” said Knowles. “So, there is a level of support already for some athletes, but these commission grants are for other athletes who have less support available to them.”

Knowles said professional athletes will not be eligible for grants from the commission. Applicants will have until July 3 to have their applications returned to the BOC. Successful applicants will be notified within three weeks of the application deadline.

June 25, 2020

Sheldon Longley

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A phased opening is among the 100-plus recommendations and items of consideration put forth by the COVID-19 Response Committee for baseball in hopes of a return to play of the sport in the country.

Committee member Shane Albury said their number one concern remains the health and safety of the players, coaches, league officials and all involved with regular baseball activity in the country. Like local baseball enthusiasts, they would love to see the game return to regular action but not before all of the safety standards would have been met and all of the respective protocols in place.

An extensive 10-page document detailing a safe and secured return to baseball was presented to the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture. Albury said they expect an answer within the next two weeks. Various leagues such as the Junior Baseball League of Nassau (JBLN) and the Freedom Farm Baseball League (FFBL) are eagerly anticipating a return to their regular baseball activities. The Bahamas Baseball Association (BBA), which governs all baseball activity in the country, is waiting patiently for a response from government and health officials and will relay the message to the various leagues.

“The BBA would love to have baseball back but everything would have to be in accordance with the government orders in place and in conjunction with the various leagues,” said Albury, who also serves as an executive member of the BBA. “Once we receive a response from the proper authorities and pass on the information, it is going to be up to the leagues whether or not to continue this season or start preparing for next year. The leagues will have to determine for themselves how they will set up their schedules in terms of actual play.”

With the phased opening recommendation, Albury said it would be done in such a way that caters to the older players first. The first phase will encompass players 13 and older (junior, senior and girls softball); the second phase will feature the nine to 12 year olds (minor and major); and the final phase will cater to the younger kids, eight and under (tee ball and coach pitch).

“The older kids could understand a bit better the things they need to do, so starting them is an option that we are considering. Then we have the nine to 12 year olds, minor and major, and then phase three would be the younger ones – eight and under,” said Albury. “We understand that the young ones are used to putting their hands all over the place and in their mouths and just being playful with each other. We want to discourage that as much as possible at this stage of recovery. We’ll certainly have to play that phase of opening by air.”

Having studied guidelines and recommendations from international global bodies such as the World Health Organization (WHO) and the World Baseball Softball Confederation (WBSC), Albury said their document is extensive, outlining prevention and safety methods and measures, and addresses all aspects of play on the field – pregame, during the game and postgame. Included are social distancing measures; cleaning and sanitizing protocols as it relates to equipment, stands and premises; and safety training for coaches, players, officials, volunteers, parents and concession stand workers.

He said they are willing to provide the document to other sporting federations and leagues as well.

“We think that this document touches every aspect of the field and every aspect of baseball,” said Albury. “As we progress, we would suggest small group training at first, and then full team practices before engaging in play. We understand that there has been some Zoom training going on and we thoroughly support that. We just want a safe and secure return to baseball and we are moving in that direction.”

Baseball in the country has been stagnant since mid-March due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Local seasons have ceased, the BBA nationals were canceled and all travel ball was put off. Albury said that one of the items on the agenda that they are looking at is a fall baseball classic, prior to the start of the new season.

As far as the various leagues are concerned, they have a number of options in front of them whenever the sport is allowed to resume to regular activity. One such option is for players to remain on the same teams in the new season given the likelihood that it will be a while before league and national teams are allowed to travel. Also, they could choose whether or not to finish off this season or move straight into a new season.

It is expected to be determined in the coming weeks.

Gyms on the island are ready to open for business on Wednesday, July 1. A number of health and safety measures have been put in place. EVOLVE FUNCTIONAL FITNES

June 25, 2020

Simba French

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As The Bahamas moves into phase five of the national reopening of the economy plan, Prime Minister Dr. Hubert Minnis announced in the House of Assembly on Monday that gyms are allowed to reopen on Wednesday July 1.

As expected, gym operators are excited and relieved for that announcement as they have been closed since March.

“The reaction is relief,” said Kent Bazard, operator of Empire Fitness. “As gym owners, we are very anxious to get back to business as we have been closed for three months without any income and still having bills to pay and it was a very uncomfortable situation all around. Definitely not optimal but we are excited to get back to business.”

Also happy to get back in operation after three months of closure is owner of Evolve Functional Fitness, Tangerine Dinnick.

“I am ecstatic. I finally have a date of when my business is going to be opened. It is good news for us,” Dinnick said.

Better Bodies Gym partner Kenny Greene said they are very excited to provide their service again.

“We are elated and very excited that we are able to cater to the general public again. Gyms are essential for good health and we know that a healthy nation is a wealthy nation. We feel that the gym plays an integral part of that,” Greene said.

Gyms on New Providence have been using hospital-grade sanitizing methods for years.

Bazard said a group of gym owners got together and submitted a proposal for safety protocols, from when the country began to enter into phase two of the reopening plan. Those protocols were based on what they thought made sense locally and what other gyms were doing around the world.

As expected, there have been some tweaks in how they operate. For Bazard’s gym, which is located in Seagrapes Shopping Plaza, there has been proper sanitizing protocols from they first opened their doors. Those protocols include sanitizing their equipment and implementing hand sanitizing stations. He said he has added a few new safety measures.

“We start with controlling the entry point and making sure that there is no crowding at the entrance and persons can get in safely and easily. Patrons can sanitize their hands as soon as they walk inside and check-in without making contact with employees and each other,” Bazard said. “At Empire Fitness, we are going to request for persons to limit their training time for at least the first phase to allow others to get in. We are going to have a digital check-in system using our Empire Fitness app.”

Greene said they, too, have put in some added measures for their patrons.

“We have put in a few extra sanitizing stations,” Green stated. “We are going to be even more adamant about insisting that we practice a healthy and clean environment in which our patrons can operate. We were always held to a higher standard than the average everyday business. We have a fairly large facility that can accommodate patrons and allow for proper social distancing. The way our gym floor is laid out, the floor plan and spacing of the equipment already are eight to 10 feet apart, so the gym is very spacious and allows for proper social distancing.”

Better Bodies is located in the Shirley Street Plaza. Greene said they will be operating at about one-third capacity.

Over at Evolve Functional Fitness in Palmdale, a family fitness gym, they, too, are taking steps in ensuring that proper protocols are in place.

“One of the new protocols we have in place is fever checks at the door. Then once their fever is fine, we give them a sanitizing spray to sanitize their hands. They have to come in with a mask and wait to enter the class and follow instructions. The class has been spread out where we have half hour deep cleaning sessions between each class and we have also marked off our gym space by boxes that are nine feet by eight feet to allow people to move in their own area of the gym,” Dinnick said. “I also have a swimming pool, so I had to think about swimming protocols and how I was going to handle my swimming pool. We have reduced capacities there, only allowing 12 swimmers in a 25-meter pool at any given time. No one can be on the wall at the same time while practicing social distancing. They will have to enter the pool deck with a mask and take off the mask as they enter the pool and put it into a Ziploc bag. Before they get out of the pool, the mask must go back on.”

For Empire Fitness, persons will be able to book their slots to participate in classes. They will be given preference and walk-ins are also welcomed. Bazard said he is looking at up to 90 minutes’ workout time for each patron. He is asking for patrons to co-operate and be patient because it is not a good situation as they try to get back to normal proceedings.

Evolve Functional Fitness has both a kids fitness and swimming program and Dinnick said she does not know when those programs will resume as the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture, up to yesterday, had not recommended when those programs could start again.

Dinnick also encourages persons who want to use the gym to book in advance. With the national curfew in place from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m., she said she is waiting to see if she can open at 5 a.m. or push it back to a later time.

According to Dinnick, a company will be coming to sanitize the entire building as they prepare to open for business.

Some of the classes offered at Evolve Functional Fitness are water aerobics, yoga, therapy for senior citizens, weightlifting classes, dance classes and strength classes.

Bazard said that they have to perform a balancing act and they are going to do their best to make it work. He stated that he expects a mad rush to the gyms on Wednesday, July 1. They are opened from 6 a.m. and close at 8 p.m.

Greene is hoping that the government of The Bahamas allows them to have an extended period of time to open and inspect the gyms and enough time to sanitize upon closing, so that they can make their way to their respective homes before the curfew comes into effect at 10 p.m.

Come Wednesday, gyms are prepared to ensure the safety of their patrons with the various protocols put in place by public health officials.

Bahamian collegiate softball player Dawayna Pratt is looking forward to her junior year in college, after the COVID-19 pandemic brought a stop to her sophomore season. She plays for the St. Augustine’s University Falcons in Raleigh, North Carolina

.June 24, 2020

Simba French

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Bahamian national team player in softball Dawayna Pratt is looking forward to her collegiate season as a junior after the COVID-19 pandemic brought a stop to her sophomore campaign in March.

The St. Augustine’s University Falcons outfielder has put the season behind her. She said she has the same goals as a year ago, which is finishing with the highest batting average on the team.

“Entering my junior season my goals remain the same, which is to bring forth my leadership skills, dynamic decision-making, knowledge and speed. In addition, my focus still remains to be an asset for my team and finish with the highest batting average. To challenge myself even more, I would definitely aim to be the best defensive player as well,” Pratt said.

The Falcons play out of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division II (DII) in the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA) conference. The school is located in Raleigh, North Carolina.

The outfielder said that she was saddened about the season being shortened as she felt she was just about to get into rhythm both offensively and defensively.

Interestingly enough, softball was not her first love but rather track and field. Before heading to St. Augustine’s, she suited up for the Colby Community College track and field team. She has college bests of 8.08 seconds in the 60 meters (m) dash; 13.14 seconds in the 100m; 25.41 seconds in the 200m; and 1:01.33 in the 400m.

According to Pratt, it was a tumultuous journey to St. Augustine’s filled with twists and turns, but due to her faith, positivity and self-belief, she was able to remain focused and her dream came to fruition.

In addition to track and field and softball, the former Queen’s College student also plays soccer and volleyball.

The 21-year-old said she has been playing softball as long as she can remember. She grew up around the softball park watching her parents, Dwayne Pratt and Charlotte Hield, play. It was there she fell in love with the game and the rest is history.

If it was not for the pandemic, she said she would be at the Bankers Field at the Baillou Hills Sporting Complex playing in the New Providence Softball Association (NPSA) women’s fast pitch league. She first began playing in the league back in 2015 for the Johnson’s Lady Truckers. Last season she played for the Brackettes.

“Playing in the NPSA has definitely played a role in molding me into the knowledgeable and dominant player that I am today. The NPSA also helped with the organization of games which is needed for development, enhancement, and a team-oriented environment,” Pratt stated.

Since she has been home, Pratt said she has been making the most out of the challenging times.

“Getting into grips with the new normal, it’s been a challenge trying to get in the more effective workouts that I would like. Nonetheless, I’m fortunate to be able to put in my early morning runs, strength and condition during the midday and core at night,” Pratt said.

Back in May, the Falcons were recognized, presented with the CIAA Highest Grade Point Average (GPA) Softball Award with a cumulative GPA of 3.3.

“I must admit that my teammates are remarkable young ladies,” Pratt said. “We all live up to the four D’s in life – dedication, determination, discipline and desire. Despite the early morning, midday and evening practices, we never fell short of remembering that we were students first and athletes second.”

The school is no stranger to Bahamians as there are other players from The Bahamas on the roster – Chandra Mackey, Shaquelle Bain, Celine Jones and Mimi Morris.

Pratt’s advice to younger softball players who want to make the jump to collegiate softball is to be disciplined, be a complete player and be a student of the game.

Last August, she was a member of The Bahamas’ senior women’s national softball team that played in the World Baseball Softball Confederation (WBSC) Softball Americas Qualifier in Surrey, Canada.

Health and government officials are reviewing a 10-page document, with over 100 recommendations, on a safe and secure return to baseball in the country. Time is winding down on the 2020 season.June 24, 2020Sheldon Longley0270Views

A 10-page document, detailing a safe and secured return to baseball in the country, is currently under review by health and government officials, according to multiple sources.

The main question among baseball enthusiasts is, will the 2020 season be lost and will baseball start up in time for the new season in September? Action doesn’t normally get underway until December/January, but online registration is ongoing from September, particularly at the Junior Baseball League of Nassau (JBLN). The two chief leagues in New Providence, JBLN and Freedom Farm, contemplated play this summer, resuming their seasons that were stopped in March due to the presence of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The prospect of completing the season, for both JBLN and Freedom Farm, looks more and more grim as the days go by.

“We don’t believe that we will be able to complete this season,” said JBLN President Jeffrey Walcott. “There are a number of factors that are involved here. We just don’t know when everything is going to open up – that’s the first thing. The second thing is that the safety document that was prepared by the BBA (Bahamas Baseball Association) has to go through the various government approvals before we could put it into play; 2020 looks grim. Even though we haven’t made an official statement as yet, we believe that we will come to a final decision by our next board meeting.”

According to Clarence “CJ’’ Mckenzie, the chairman of the COVID-19 Response Safety Committee, established by the BBA, over 100 recommendations are included in the document which is now in the hands of health and government officials. He said they sought advice from international partners such as the Babe Ruth League, Little League Baseball, COPABE (Pan American Baseball Confederation) and the World Baseball Softball Confederation (WBSC).

“It’s just about providing a framework for leagues to follow and recommending a timeframe when leagues could resume baseball activities,” he said.

JBLN President Walcott said implementing the various protocols would be very difficult.

“These are young kids and you’re asking them to practice social distancing which we know will be very difficult to manage, especially in tee ball and coach pitch. We are hopeful, but in terms of competing the 2020 season, we just don’t see how it will be possible to complete it considering all of the factors and the protocols that has to be in place for the season to be completed successfully,” he said.

The country is into phase four of the national reopening of the economy plan, moving into phase five. In phase four, group exercise with social distancing is permitted, and in phase five, restrictions on all movement are lifted. On July 1, gyms and spas in the country will be allowed to reopen provided they follow the appropriate health and safety protocols. Group exercise outdoors will also be permitted.

Walcott said hopefully they will be able to get some semblance of activity this summer.

“For our seniors, if phase five opens up and we are able to get back to the field, we may be able to do some summer ball at our field to keep the guys fresh and get them engaged in some action before they return to university. We might look at that as an option to get some normalcy back,” he said. “When you look at it, registration starts in September so a lot of things have to be in place for next season if we are going to be moving forward. There are a lot of things that we have to take into consideration, but our number one concern remains the health and safety of our players, coaches, parents, spectators, workers and league officials. We’re not going to do anything to compromise the safety of anybody.”

McKenzie said they are anticipating a response from health and government officials sometime next week. Both leagues are expected to make a final decision following the recommendation and advice from health and government officials.

The new coronavirus numbers have leveled off in the country in recent weeks but the numbers remain on the rise internationally, particularly with The Bahamas’ closest neighbor, the USA. There are over 9.3 million cases worldwide and about 480,000 deaths. The USA is the most impacted country with over 2.4 million cases and over 123,000 deaths. Here in The Bahamas, there hasn’t been a recorded case since June 14. There remains 104 cases with 11 deaths.

Health and government officials are reviewing a 10-page document, with over 100 recommendations, on a safe and secure return to baseball in the country. Time is winding down on the 2020 season.

June 24, 2020

Sheldon Longley

0270 Views

A 10-page document, detailing a safe and secured return to baseball in the country, is currently under review by health and government officials, according to multiple sources.

The main question among baseball enthusiasts is, will the 2020 season be lost and will baseball start up in time for the new season in September? Action doesn’t normally get underway until December/January, but online registration is ongoing from September, particularly at the Junior Baseball League of Nassau (JBLN). The two chief leagues in New Providence, JBLN and Freedom Farm, contemplated play this summer, resuming their seasons that were stopped in March due to the presence of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The prospect of completing the season, for both JBLN and Freedom Farm, looks more and more grim as the days go by.

“We don’t believe that we will be able to complete this season,” said JBLN President Jeffrey Walcott. “There are a number of factors that are involved here. We just don’t know when everything is going to open up – that’s the first thing. The second thing is that the safety document that was prepared by the BBA (Bahamas Baseball Association) has to go through the various government approvals before we could put it into play; 2020 looks grim. Even though we haven’t made an official statement as yet, we believe that we will come to a final decision by our next board meeting.”

According to Clarence “CJ’’ Mckenzie, the chairman of the COVID-19 Response Safety Committee, established by the BBA, over 100 recommendations are included in the document which is now in the hands of health and government officials. He said they sought advice from international partners such as the Babe Ruth League, Little League Baseball, COPABE (Pan American Baseball Confederation) and the World Baseball Softball Confederation (WBSC).

“It’s just about providing a framework for leagues to follow and recommending a timeframe when leagues could resume baseball activities,” he said.

JBLN President Walcott said implementing the various protocols would be very difficult.

“These are young kids and you’re asking them to practice social distancing which we know will be very difficult to manage, especially in tee ball and coach pitch. We are hopeful, but in terms of competing the 2020 season, we just don’t see how it will be possible to complete it considering all of the factors and the protocols that has to be in place for the season to be completed successfully,” he said.

The country is into phase four of the national reopening of the economy plan, moving into phase five. In phase four, group exercise with social distancing is permitted, and in phase five, restrictions on all movement are lifted. On July 1, gyms and spas in the country will be allowed to reopen provided they follow the appropriate health and safety protocols. Group exercise outdoors will also be permitted.

Walcott said hopefully they will be able to get some semblance of activity this summer.

“For our seniors, if phase five opens up and we are able to get back to the field, we may be able to do some summer ball at our field to keep the guys fresh and get them engaged in some action before they return to university. We might look at that as an option to get some normalcy back,” he said. “When you look at it, registration starts in September so a lot of things have to be in place for next season if we are going to be moving forward. There are a lot of things that we have to take into consideration, but our number one concern remains the health and safety of our players, coaches, parents, spectators, workers and league officials. We’re not going to do anything to compromise the safety of anybody.”

McKenzie said they are anticipating a response from health and government officials sometime next week. Both leagues are expected to make a final decision following the recommendation and advice from health and government officials.

The new coronavirus numbers have leveled off in the country in recent weeks but the numbers remain on the rise internationally, particularly with The Bahamas’ closest neighbor, the USA. There are over 9.3 million cases worldwide and about 480,000 deaths. The USA is the most impacted country with over 2.4 million cases and over 123,000 deaths. Here in The Bahamas, there hasn’t been a recorded case since June 14. There remains 104 cases with 11 deaths.

June 24, 2020F

red Sturupp

0260 Views

A national hero died on Sunday.

I remember vividly, the first time I saw Leonard “Boston Blackie” Miller, with full recognition as to who he really was.

This was back in the late 1950s (I think 1959 was the year) at a time when spectators lined the streets along the route of bicycle races on the capital island of New Providence. Big, tall Alexander “The Whip” Harris was the leading rider at the time. My father had brought to me the corner of Mackey and Bay Street. That was our vantage point as we waited with others in the general area for the riders to flash by. The first group of riders came in sight.

“You see that one out front, on the inside of The Whip?… that’s Boston Blackie,” so said my father.

Yes, there was Boston, aggressively challenging the much heftier and robust-looking Harris. We heard later on that Harris actually won the race and Boston was third, with Christopher “Duece” Thompson slipping in for second. A certain Bertram “Cowboy” Musgrove made up the top four (all sporting legends, National Sports Hall of Fame caliber athletes).

I was about 10 at the time and had absolutely no idea as to how, in such a detailed fashion, fate would have me connecting with Boston Blackie in the years to follow –  ironically, not too long after that fateful Sunday afternoon, on the corner, just across from the old Potter’s Cay Dock.

In fact, it was in 1968 when he was just back from winning the silver medal at the New York Golden Gloves, in New York City that Bert Perry came and told me that he had spoken with several others and they agreed with him that an amateur boxing organization should be formed in The Bahamas. He told me that I would be the secretary. Thus, a number of historic stories were to unfold, of which Boston Blackie was a feature character.

Perry and Boston would begin a four-fight series the next year, May 1 of 1969, marking the first of three victories for Perry, although highly controversial. Boston would win once. Their rivalry characterized a special period in Bahamaland. Bahamians competed fiercely, but once the competitions were over, they joined forces to foster the growth of a country.

In that regard, in 1969, with the Amateur Boxing Association of the Bahamas (ABAB) – since transitioned to the Amateur Boxing Federation of The Bahamas and now simply the Bahamas Boxing Federation – finally connected through official documents with the International Boxing Association (AIBA), Perry solicited Boston’s presence along with his club of boxers to join the formal organization in the country. Boston agreed right away.

Several years later when Perry opted to take up residence in Grand Bahama, as president at the time, I asked Boston to replace him and he did without hesitation. There began our gratifying relationship. For years, Boston and I took boxers to compete in the Florida Golden Gloves Tournaments. I got to really know the manner of a man God had blessed this country with.

Let me point out here with emphasis that all along, while dedicating so much of his time to crafting youthful ringsters into quality athletes and budding adults, Boston somehow found the time and additional energies to train and compete in pro boxing events, cycling races, and later on, conduct high school physical education sessions.

A rich page in his legacy is the fact that on the morning after he lost the heavyweight crown (he earlier had regained from Perry), Boston was up at the crack of dawn and was the first cyclist on the line for a major road race. Indeed, Boston had been beaten at the Oakes Field Hanger that night, and the very next morning, there he was at the entrance to the same Oakes Field Hanger, on the line across from Oakes Monument in Oakes Field, ready to fulfill another huge sports task.

Boston is one of the select icons who represented the country internationally in two or more sporting disciplines. He became a figure of good folklore material to his regional and world peers in cycling. In boxing, Boston was known as the old maestro of ring cornermen.

There is no doubt, he was highly significant to organized amateur boxing in The Bahamas in its embryonic stage and throughout.

The name Boston Blackie came to be synonymous with local cycling. He was one of the notable light heavy and heavyweight champions of the country.

In his role as physical education teacher, Boston nurtured and motivated many students for decades.

Leonard “Boston Blackie” Miller, 82, who passed away on Sunday, was a man for all seasons, and truly one of a kind; one of those irreplaceable beings that God graced this earth with.

On behalf of the Bahamas Boxing Commission and the commissioners, I extend condolences to the family of Boston.

May his soul forever rest in peace!

• To respond to this column, kindly contact Fred Sturrup at e-mail address sturrup1504@gmail.com or on WhatsApp at (242) 727-6363.

As of Thursday, June 18, 2020

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#By RENALDO DORSETT

#Tribune Sports Reporter

#rdorsett@tribunemedia.net

#As the status of the 2020 Major League Baseball season hangs in the balance, the organisation made a decision that could affect several Bahamian prospects.

#MLB officially announced that the International Signing Period will be postponed from its traditional July 2 date and will now begin on January 15.

#According to Baseball America, the move was another cost cutting measure by the MLB as negotiations on the 2020 season continue.

#“The MLBPA agreed to allow teams to defer all but $100,000 of draft signing bonuses into 2021 and 2022, but international amateurs signing bonuses were not automatically deferred in that March agreement,” the report said. “With MLB teams across baseball trying to save on cash flow, pushing the signing period to next January will keep teams issuing from multi-million dollar cheques this summer, pushing those expenses into 2021 instead.”

#International Elite Sports Academy products Adari Grant and Kristin Munroe were listed by MLB Pipeline as some of the top infield prospects in the current class and were considered highly sought after prospects. The Bahamian pair were the only players from the English-speaking Caribbean on a list dominated by prospects from the Dominican Republic, Cuba and Venezuela.

#The players who are eligible to sign (anyone who turns 16 by August 31 this year) will remain the same in the delayed signing period which will conclude December 15, 2021. The current 2019-20 international signing period was set to expire earlier this week, but was extended through October 15, 2020. Despite the extension, teams are unable to sign players due to the MLB’s transaction freeze.

#The international signing period is a time when many Bahamian prospects have signed minor league deals in recent years.

#MLB is negotiating a proposal that could lead to a shortened season that begins in July. The MLB draft was also shortened to just five rounds.

#The international signing period is when major league clubs sign amateurs from anywhere outside the United States. MLB can push the 2020-21 period back to January 2021, and the 2021-22 period back to January 2022. Teams will also not be allowed to trade international bonus slots in 2020 or 2021.

#As a byproduct of the COVID-19 fallout there has also been a reported agreement in place with the MLB to reduce the number of minor league affiliate teams by 40.

#MiLB currently fields 160 teams across its various leagues, but that number could be reduced to as much as 120 and the remaining teams could face realignment.

#Prior to the suspension of all baseball activity, many of the 16 Bahamian players in the minor leagues had yet to receive their assignments for the upcoming season. Up to press time last night, the MLB and players’ association continued their negotations. MLB sent a proposal for a 60-game season at full prorated pay.

As of Friday, June 19, 2020

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#By RENALDO DORSETT

#Tribune Sports Reporter

#rdorsett@tribunemedia.net

#THE NCAA Division I Council has outlined the projected timeline for a return to action for both men’s and women’s basketball programmes.

#Following Wednesday’s conference call, the council announced plans based off the recommendations from the oversight committees, a move that will affect several Bahamian players and coaches at the Division I level.

#Under the current rule, voluntary athletics activities and up to eight hours of virtual non-physical activities are extended for another month through July 19.

#Beginning July 20, summer athletics activities may begin and can last up to eight weeks or until the school’s first day of classes or September 15, however, virtual and in-person activities cannot exceed a combined eight hours per week.

#The oversight committees recommended that the list of summer athletics activities also includes “enhanced in-person nonphysical activities,” which include team meetings, individual meetings and film review. Those activities can also include on-court practices, though skill instruction cannot exceed four hours per week and the total amount of work (including weight training and conditioning) cannot exceed eight.

#“The Council worked to balance the desire to get student-athletes training again with the need to re-populate our campuses and athletics facilities gradually and safely, within all campus, local and state mandates,” said Council chair M Grace Calhoun, athletics director at Penn. “Student-athlete health and safety should remain a top priority.”

#These activities will be regulated based on COVID-19 regulations and preventative measures. State regulations will also determine access to facilities, group size and other restrictions.

#A decision on changes to the recruiting calendars will be decided in short in the coming weeks.

#According to ESPN: “The proposed changes to the fall recruiting calendar would include live evaluation periods added to August and September since the live periods in April, June and July were cancelled.

#The weekends of August 15-16 and September 5-7 were proposed for non-scholastic events, and August 22-23 and September 19-20 for scholastic events.

#Only two members of each staff will be allowed on the road.

AWARD FOR EXCELLENCE: Jodie Ritchie in front of her graduation poster.

As of Friday, June 19, 2020

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JODIE Ritchie flanked by her parents, Stan and Patrice Ritchie.

#By BRENT STUBBS

#Senior Sports Reporter

#bstubbs@tribunemedia.net

#4-D Stallions Track Club’s team captain Jodie Ritchie earned an unprecedented achievement as the middle distance runner graduated in the Queen’s College Class of 2020 with academic awards.

#Although the ceremony was a virtual one last week Friday, due to the coronavirus pandemic, it was a momentous occasion celebrated by Jodie and her parents, Stan and Patrice, and some family members at their home in the central eastern area of the island.

#The 17-year-old Ritchie received the David Pickersgill Memorial Award for excellence in art, the PTA prize and the Principal’s Lighthouse award. She also collected prizes for creative craft, economics, office procedures, religious education and AP Studio Art (3D).

#As a perennial Principal’s List and Honour Roll recipient, Ritchie was also honoured for her accomplishment in the Arts. After being selected as the best young artist during the Central Bank of the Bahamas’ Art Contest while in the ninth grade, Ritchie came out with honourable mention last year.

#Although apart from her friends, Ritchie still enjoyed and cherished the moment at the virtual ceremony. “It was pretty disappointing (that the graduation ceremony wasn’t held as usual), but I felt that the school put a lot of effort in making it a memorable experience,” Ritchie said.

#“The good thing about the ceremony is you can always watch it again, so you can take the bad with the good. It’s still something for you to cherish, even though it wasn’t what we expected if we had the formal ceremony.”

#Now heading to the University of Wisconsin-Madison where she has been accepted into their honours programme, Ritchie said she intends to pursue a degree in computer science.

#“Balance is always an important aspect, so I just have to make sure I take care of myself and try to make sure I am investing my time where I should,” said Ritchie about juggling her time between her academics and athletics.

#“I try not to waste time. When I finish practice, I hit the books and make sure that I revise everything before I go to bed.”

#Undoubtedly, it worked.

#“I was very pleased with everything,” lamented Ritchie, who hoped to come back and get involved in cyber security.

#“This year, I had the pleasure of taking economics and I really enjoyed it.

#“I also enjoyed taking physiology and I was able to take my APs this year, so most of the courses, I was able to dive deeper into it and we even did calculus, which will help me for college this year, so I really enjoyed that.”

#For the budding future Olympian, athletics was a different story.

#“I liked competing in the 800 metres more than the 1,500 metres because it’s a bit shorter and I could compete in it more,” she stated. “But I will continue to do the two. I want to see where track will take me and what I can do with it.”

#Looking at her current résumé, nobody was more thrilled about her accomplishments than her mother. “I’m very happy because I know how hard she worked. In 2019, she made the CARIFTA team. It was really hard because I remember Ann (Thompson from the BAAAs office) told me that Jodie was studying while she was at CARIFTA,” Patrice Ritchie recalled. “She wanted to make sure she didn’t miss too many classes because she was doing BAISS and Nationals, so I was elated last year when she did all of her BJCSEs in grade 11 and she got seven As and three Bs. That was really good.”

#At the CARIFTA Games in the Cayman Islands, coming off a slight injury she sustained in a physical education class, Ritchie finished 10th in her debut in the under-18 girls’ 1,500m.

#Her time of five minutes and 36.86 seconds was well off her personal best of 5:12. Ritchie had hoped to improve on her performance this year had the top regional junior track and field competition been held in Bermuda.

#But COVID-19 forced officials to call off the games after sports worldwide was shut down in March. As a competitor since she entered grade six at Queen’s College, Ritchie has also produced a lifetime best of 2:25.75 in the 800m, a time she eventually aims to lower at the collegiate level.

#Mother Patrice is thrilled about her move to the next level. She’s pleased to see how she has matured along with her older sister, Jayda, in helping her to overcome her battle with cancer.

#In fact, her mother said Jodie, as the president of the Anchor Club at Queen’s College, was not only there for her, but she got her classmates involved by assisting in the operation of the Cancer Society of the Bahamas’ annual walk race.

#“Her and my daughter, Jayda, have gotten involved in the Cancer Society because of my illness,” said Patrice, now a cancer survivor. “The people there really know them very well. This year, when she was off, she worked on the front desk helping them out.”

#Looking back at where she came from, Ritchie couldn’t help but thank everyone who played a path in her success, including God.

#“When I had my lacklustre experience in track because of my injury and even from my academic standpoint when I struggled, God was there to help me,” Ritchie said.

#“I thank God for everyone who played a path in my life, including my mom, who is a cancer patient. Even though I am getting ready to go to college to continue my career, I will miss everyone, but we will still be able to talk with technology.”

#One of those persons she singled out and plans to maintain contact with is coach Franklyn Williams, the head coach of the 4-D Stallions.

#Ritchie was under his tutelage for the past two years after leaving the Fast Forward Track Club, headed by Everette Fraser, who is also the head coach of the Comets’ track team at Queen’s College.

#“I’m very proud of her accomplishments, making CARIFTA for the first time last year,” said Williams, who watched as Ritchie was the only student-athlete of his 32-member team to graduate from high school this year.

#“Moving forward, I expect nothing but great success for her. Academically, she is A-1, but athletically, I am expecting her to eventually make the Olympic cut in the future. I’m looking for great things from her.”

#After the graduation ceremony, Jodie enjoyed a special meal with her family, but once the curfew is over, mother Ritchie said they will certainly enjoy the festive occasion in a more formal way before her daughter heads off to college. She’s following in the footsteps of Jayda, who has already made her mark as a student at Georgia Institute of Technology.

#Also a graduate of Queen’s College, Jayda Ritchie completed her sophomore year with the distinction of Faculty Honours for the spring 2020. This designation is awarded to undergraduate students who received a 4.0 academic average for the semester.