Adam Aquaro
Staff Writer
Going into this year many on the team thought this was the year where the team was going to have the most fun. A trip to Florida and a very well bonded team had the players and coaches excited. But, on March 13, “Picture Day,” the team heard the announcement. After school activities would be suspended for two weeks. The reaction from the team varied by player. Some thought that it would really only be two weeks, others thought a little more, and few speculated the season would be gone.
Now, the talent of the baseball team definitely wasn’t at its highest point after losing seven senior starters last year, but the bond of the players was as close as it’s ever been. Most people looked forward to the 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. workouts on Monday and Wednesday nights because hanging out with the team was fun even with the time of the practice. This bond really showed some of the players how fun Florida was going to be. The last trip for the seniors to spend with their team while playing the game they love, messing around in the hotel, and the beach with other players and coaches. Giving the chance for upperclassmen to mess with underclassmen in a friendly and funny way. These experiences were all thrown out the window on March 15 when the trip was officially canceled.
The team feels for the seniors and will miss them on the field next year. Cam Mertz was shooting for the stars this year to really show his talent. By just missing BAL 1st team and batting just below .500 last season, the whole team believed that he would surpass both. Justin Horak was going to start at 3rd base and aim for his best season yet going out in his senior year. Cole Davis would start at 1st base for the second year in a row and look to be a leader on the team and would aim for at least 2nd team all BAL. Deven Smith has already proven what his talent is and was looking to polish it off with a great season this year. Ben Koeppen joined the team this year, looking to play the sport he grew up playing in his last year of high school. Ben was embraced as soon as he joined the team and everyone was happy to have him around. Tom Vieridias was looking to get on the mound for his final year as a high school player. The team misses the season, and they will miss their seniors next year.
Tuesday, June 9, 2020
Major League Baseball plans shortened season due to COVID-19 crisis
Garett Hoffmann and Jake Saxton
Staff Writer
Due to COVID-19, the sports world has been wondering whether the NBA and NHL playoffs will happen. There is a lot of speculation about how the NFL’s season will look and if it will start in September. However, one sport that seems to be flying under the radar is baseball.
Many experts inside the Major League Baseball are predicting that they will be cutting the season in half, from 162 games to 82. The league may also create schedules that prevent teams from traveling all over the country and Canada to play the Toronto Blue Jays. Instead they will have divisional restraints to keep teams in certain regions to prevent outbreaks of COVID-19.
Many readers may be asking how will this new schedule be created? The answer is simple. Henry and Holly Stephenson, who have been creating MLB schedules since 1984 and 2004, respectively, explained that computers, with the right algorithms, will be able to do it in about five minutes. The teams will stay in their divisions. For example, the teams in the NL West consist of the Dodgers, Giants, Diamondbacks, Rockies and Padres. Three out of the five teams are from California whereas the Diamondbacks are from Arizona and the Rockies from Colorado. Even though the Colorado club is the farthest away, they will still play their division rivals. As of right now the closest sport that will be ready to get back on the ball during this crisis is Major League Baseball.
Staff Writer
Due to COVID-19, the sports world has been wondering whether the NBA and NHL playoffs will happen. There is a lot of speculation about how the NFL’s season will look and if it will start in September. However, one sport that seems to be flying under the radar is baseball.
Many experts inside the Major League Baseball are predicting that they will be cutting the season in half, from 162 games to 82. The league may also create schedules that prevent teams from traveling all over the country and Canada to play the Toronto Blue Jays. Instead they will have divisional restraints to keep teams in certain regions to prevent outbreaks of COVID-19.
Many readers may be asking how will this new schedule be created? The answer is simple. Henry and Holly Stephenson, who have been creating MLB schedules since 1984 and 2004, respectively, explained that computers, with the right algorithms, will be able to do it in about five minutes. The teams will stay in their divisions. For example, the teams in the NL West consist of the Dodgers, Giants, Diamondbacks, Rockies and Padres. Three out of the five teams are from California whereas the Diamondbacks are from Arizona and the Rockies from Colorado. Even though the Colorado club is the farthest away, they will still play their division rivals. As of right now the closest sport that will be ready to get back on the ball during this crisis is Major League Baseball.
Boom of Bust? The Eagles make two questionable draft picks
Mike Borys and Connor Fitzgerald
Staff Writers
In previous years Eagles fans have been disappointed with the wide receiver position. Fans were certain that Alshon Jeffery, a previous Chicago Bear star would help out Carson Wentz. Jeffery has had mediocre seasons with the team. In the beginning of the season, Desean Jackson was looking great. Jackson ended up suffering a season-ending injury in just the second game. The Eagles selected wide receiver J.J. Arcega-Whiteside last year with the fifty-seventh overall pick. There were high hopes for the young player out of Stanford. Arcega-Whiteside did not perform nearly as well as fans wished. The young receiver only racked up ten receptions, 169 yards, and one touchdown. In this year’s draft, the receiver position was loaded with talent.
The Eagles selected wide-receiver Jalen Reagor with the twenty-first pick. The ex-TCU star receiver was very excited to become an Eagle. Reagor has been known for his speed, being the 2nd fastest receiver in the draft. Reagor can either outrun defenders on a streak route, or out-jump defenders on a corner fade route. Many fans criticized the Eagles organization for this pick because some felt there were more talented receivers still available. At Texas Christian University, Reagor reeled in 148 receptions, 2248 yards, and 22 touchdowns. Hopefully, Carson Wentz and his new speedy receiver can hook up on many touchdowns this upcoming year.
The Eagles second pick of the 2020 NFL draft was arguably the most controversial pick of the entire draft. For the 53rd pick in the draft they selected Jalen Hurts from The University of Oklahoma. The Eagles are in need of many players to fill starting roles and there is no doubt from current starting QB, Carson Wentz, that he will put on a show each game he plays. This left many people scratching their heads not understanding why the Eagles would pick a QB in the second round when they already have Wentz. Many believe that the Eagles will be running a double QB package similar to what the Saints use with Taysom Hill. There is also concern for the health of Carson Wentz after he suffered a serious concussion early in the 2019 playoff game. Wentz is young and has time to get healthy. The two quarterbacks will make a great package together.
Staff Writers
In previous years Eagles fans have been disappointed with the wide receiver position. Fans were certain that Alshon Jeffery, a previous Chicago Bear star would help out Carson Wentz. Jeffery has had mediocre seasons with the team. In the beginning of the season, Desean Jackson was looking great. Jackson ended up suffering a season-ending injury in just the second game. The Eagles selected wide receiver J.J. Arcega-Whiteside last year with the fifty-seventh overall pick. There were high hopes for the young player out of Stanford. Arcega-Whiteside did not perform nearly as well as fans wished. The young receiver only racked up ten receptions, 169 yards, and one touchdown. In this year’s draft, the receiver position was loaded with talent.
The Eagles selected wide-receiver Jalen Reagor with the twenty-first pick. The ex-TCU star receiver was very excited to become an Eagle. Reagor has been known for his speed, being the 2nd fastest receiver in the draft. Reagor can either outrun defenders on a streak route, or out-jump defenders on a corner fade route. Many fans criticized the Eagles organization for this pick because some felt there were more talented receivers still available. At Texas Christian University, Reagor reeled in 148 receptions, 2248 yards, and 22 touchdowns. Hopefully, Carson Wentz and his new speedy receiver can hook up on many touchdowns this upcoming year.
The Eagles second pick of the 2020 NFL draft was arguably the most controversial pick of the entire draft. For the 53rd pick in the draft they selected Jalen Hurts from The University of Oklahoma. The Eagles are in need of many players to fill starting roles and there is no doubt from current starting QB, Carson Wentz, that he will put on a show each game he plays. This left many people scratching their heads not understanding why the Eagles would pick a QB in the second round when they already have Wentz. Many believe that the Eagles will be running a double QB package similar to what the Saints use with Taysom Hill. There is also concern for the health of Carson Wentz after he suffered a serious concussion early in the 2019 playoff game. Wentz is young and has time to get healthy. The two quarterbacks will make a great package together.
NFL team facilities reopening with a 2020 season in sight
Parker Cane and Lear Asplundh
Staff Writers
Due to the coronavirus, the NFL season is up in the air. Like all sports, the coronavirus has put a halt to any further events and team activities. However, NFL team facilities are permitted to begin reopening starting as soon as this past Tuesday provided they meet certain criteria.
NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell said team facilities are allowed to reopen provided that they do so under “governing state and local regulations, are in compliance with additional public health requirements in their jurisdiction, and have implemented the protocols that were developed by Dr. Sills and distributed to all clubs on May 6.” Goodell added that teams that do not meet those requirements by Tuesday “may reopen their facilities on the earliest date thereafter on which they are able to meet the criteria.”
In the first phase of reopening, teams are not allowed to have more than 50 percent of staff in the facility, and the number cannot exceed 75 people. That total is for all club locations combined. No members of the coaching staff are permitted to return to the facility in order to “ensure equity among all 32 clubs.
With facilities opening up for certain teams, hopefully the season can stay on track and open Sept. 10, 2020 with or without fans.
Staff Writers
Due to the coronavirus, the NFL season is up in the air. Like all sports, the coronavirus has put a halt to any further events and team activities. However, NFL team facilities are permitted to begin reopening starting as soon as this past Tuesday provided they meet certain criteria.
NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell said team facilities are allowed to reopen provided that they do so under “governing state and local regulations, are in compliance with additional public health requirements in their jurisdiction, and have implemented the protocols that were developed by Dr. Sills and distributed to all clubs on May 6.” Goodell added that teams that do not meet those requirements by Tuesday “may reopen their facilities on the earliest date thereafter on which they are able to meet the criteria.”
In the first phase of reopening, teams are not allowed to have more than 50 percent of staff in the facility, and the number cannot exceed 75 people. That total is for all club locations combined. No members of the coaching staff are permitted to return to the facility in order to “ensure equity among all 32 clubs.
With facilities opening up for certain teams, hopefully the season can stay on track and open Sept. 10, 2020 with or without fans.
2020 Olympics postponed till 2021 due to coronavirus
Brendan O’Boyle
Staff Writer
COVID-19 has called for a rescheduling of just about every social gathering imaginable. With most professional sports canceled, people around the globe wondered what would happen with the Olympics. As of now, the 2020 Tokyo Olympic games will be postponed until July 23 of 2021 and the Paralympic games will start on August 24 of 2021. While the Olympics have been canceled before due to World War I, this will be the first time in history that the Olympic Games will be postponed to another year.
The president of the International Paralympic Committee, Andrew Parsons, said that he feels good about the change: “The new dates provide certainty for the athletes, reassurance for the stakeholders and something to look forward to for the whole world.”
It was decided by the Prime Minister of Japan Shinzo Abe and the leaders of the committee in charge of the Olympics, that the games would be a sort of “light at the end of the tunnel” for the world. They are hoping that the event will give everyone something to look forward to in these trying times and believe that canceling the event would have just caused more negative feelings. Andrew Parsons also said that he feels the games will be an even more joyous event when they do come around because of all the hardship the world has endured.
“When the Paralympic Games do take place in Tokyo next year, they will be an extra-special display of humanity uniting as one, a global celebration of human resilience and a sensational showcase of sport,” Parsons said.
The athletes planning on competing in the Olympic games took to social media to react to the news. Two-time Olympic diving medalist Tom Daley mentioned how he would be feeling the effects of being another year older when competing in 2021, but he feels that this is the right thing to do. Many athletes said the same thing while posting on Instagram and Twitter, but also offered words of encouragement, feeling that this is just a minor setback in the grand scheme of things.
Staff Writer
COVID-19 has called for a rescheduling of just about every social gathering imaginable. With most professional sports canceled, people around the globe wondered what would happen with the Olympics. As of now, the 2020 Tokyo Olympic games will be postponed until July 23 of 2021 and the Paralympic games will start on August 24 of 2021. While the Olympics have been canceled before due to World War I, this will be the first time in history that the Olympic Games will be postponed to another year.
The president of the International Paralympic Committee, Andrew Parsons, said that he feels good about the change: “The new dates provide certainty for the athletes, reassurance for the stakeholders and something to look forward to for the whole world.”
It was decided by the Prime Minister of Japan Shinzo Abe and the leaders of the committee in charge of the Olympics, that the games would be a sort of “light at the end of the tunnel” for the world. They are hoping that the event will give everyone something to look forward to in these trying times and believe that canceling the event would have just caused more negative feelings. Andrew Parsons also said that he feels the games will be an even more joyous event when they do come around because of all the hardship the world has endured.
“When the Paralympic Games do take place in Tokyo next year, they will be an extra-special display of humanity uniting as one, a global celebration of human resilience and a sensational showcase of sport,” Parsons said.
The athletes planning on competing in the Olympic games took to social media to react to the news. Two-time Olympic diving medalist Tom Daley mentioned how he would be feeling the effects of being another year older when competing in 2021, but he feels that this is the right thing to do. Many athletes said the same thing while posting on Instagram and Twitter, but also offered words of encouragement, feeling that this is just a minor setback in the grand scheme of things.
NHL, MLB, NBA: COVID-19 crisis provides a dramatic and traumatic end to pro sports
Connor Fitzgerald and Michael Borys
Staff Writers
As each day in quarantine goes by, every national sports organization is suffering more and more from money loss as games are not being played. Currently, every spring sport has been postponed until further notice. Fall sports like the NFL have not been determined if their season will be played. Even though this sounds crazy to many, the reality of the pandemic not being cured by the fall is very realistic. Following the horrible news of sports seasons being cancelled, national sports organizations did not accept defeat from the virus by any means.
So far, the MLB, NBA, and MMA have been pushing to continue their seasons in a modified manner in order to ensure the safety of all players, fighters, and staff of every organization. Some of these modifications include moving to a quarantined area that will just be open to these teams. No fans will be allowed at these events if they are permitted to take place.
The MLB suggested a plan to fly each team and their staff to Arizona. Arizona is the home of a dozen baseball fields for spring training. These players would be under a restricted quarantine and must follow certain precautions to keep everyone there safe and healthy. Many players are unhappy with this because it would entail them not seeing their family or friends for months. The National Basketball Association has made it clear that no changes will be made to their season unless they gain access to the instant coronavirus tests. They are still in testing and will notify users within 15 minutes after they prick their blood if they are infected with the virus. The MMA is planning to host fights on a private island and it has been stated that the infrastructure for these fights are being built as we went to press.
Staff Writers
As each day in quarantine goes by, every national sports organization is suffering more and more from money loss as games are not being played. Currently, every spring sport has been postponed until further notice. Fall sports like the NFL have not been determined if their season will be played. Even though this sounds crazy to many, the reality of the pandemic not being cured by the fall is very realistic. Following the horrible news of sports seasons being cancelled, national sports organizations did not accept defeat from the virus by any means.
So far, the MLB, NBA, and MMA have been pushing to continue their seasons in a modified manner in order to ensure the safety of all players, fighters, and staff of every organization. Some of these modifications include moving to a quarantined area that will just be open to these teams. No fans will be allowed at these events if they are permitted to take place.
The MLB suggested a plan to fly each team and their staff to Arizona. Arizona is the home of a dozen baseball fields for spring training. These players would be under a restricted quarantine and must follow certain precautions to keep everyone there safe and healthy. Many players are unhappy with this because it would entail them not seeing their family or friends for months. The National Basketball Association has made it clear that no changes will be made to their season unless they gain access to the instant coronavirus tests. They are still in testing and will notify users within 15 minutes after they prick their blood if they are infected with the virus. The MMA is planning to host fights on a private island and it has been stated that the infrastructure for these fights are being built as we went to press.
NBA on hold due to COVID-19
Will Kelley and Justin Horak
Staff Writers
As New Hope-Solebury closed down in-person learning for the remainder of the school year, NBA commissioner Adam Silver suspended the 2019-2020 season due to the coronavirus outbreak. The coronavirus outbreak has affected millions of people all over the world, and is spreading rapidly across the United States each and every day, claiming some 1,000 to 3,000 lives per day.
Two All-Star players from the Utah Jazz, Ruby Gobert and Donavan Mitchell have tested positive for COVID-19. After the NBA found out that Gobert tested positive, they suspended the season four minutes later. Jazz guard Emanuel Mudiay also tested positive for the virus. Five teams have been quarantined already, and it looks like all 32 teams will be soon.
On April 6, Commissioner Adam Silver said that he has told people in the NBA that there will be no way for the league to make a decision about when it can return until May at the earliest and probably not even then. Silver said repeatedly throughout the interview that part of his hesitancy to make any sort of prediction about when, or if, the NBA would return is how much things have changed since Silver initially brought the league to a halt on March 11 after Utah Jazz center Rudy Gobert tested positive for COVID-19 shortly before the Jazz were supposed to play in Oklahoma City against the Thunder.
At the time the league shut down, it initially said it would be a 30-day hiatus. NBA players will receive their full checks when the next payday for most of them arrives on April 15, even though no games will have been played for more than a month at that point. The league and the National Basketball Players Association have been in talks for weeks about the status of salaries during the NBA’s shutdown. But it will unquestionably be far longer than that if it is able to return at all.
Many NBA teams are united in hopes of encouraging the league office to push the date of the June 25 draft until no sooner than Aug. 1, sources told ESPN. For now, the NBA remains on commissioner Adam Silver’s timeline of May as the earliest that decisions on the remaining league calendar will start to be made, sources said.
Staff Writers
As New Hope-Solebury closed down in-person learning for the remainder of the school year, NBA commissioner Adam Silver suspended the 2019-2020 season due to the coronavirus outbreak. The coronavirus outbreak has affected millions of people all over the world, and is spreading rapidly across the United States each and every day, claiming some 1,000 to 3,000 lives per day.
Two All-Star players from the Utah Jazz, Ruby Gobert and Donavan Mitchell have tested positive for COVID-19. After the NBA found out that Gobert tested positive, they suspended the season four minutes later. Jazz guard Emanuel Mudiay also tested positive for the virus. Five teams have been quarantined already, and it looks like all 32 teams will be soon.
On April 6, Commissioner Adam Silver said that he has told people in the NBA that there will be no way for the league to make a decision about when it can return until May at the earliest and probably not even then. Silver said repeatedly throughout the interview that part of his hesitancy to make any sort of prediction about when, or if, the NBA would return is how much things have changed since Silver initially brought the league to a halt on March 11 after Utah Jazz center Rudy Gobert tested positive for COVID-19 shortly before the Jazz were supposed to play in Oklahoma City against the Thunder.
At the time the league shut down, it initially said it would be a 30-day hiatus. NBA players will receive their full checks when the next payday for most of them arrives on April 15, even though no games will have been played for more than a month at that point. The league and the National Basketball Players Association have been in talks for weeks about the status of salaries during the NBA’s shutdown. But it will unquestionably be far longer than that if it is able to return at all.
Many NBA teams are united in hopes of encouraging the league office to push the date of the June 25 draft until no sooner than Aug. 1, sources told ESPN. For now, the NBA remains on commissioner Adam Silver’s timeline of May as the earliest that decisions on the remaining league calendar will start to be made, sources said.
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