WAYNE – After missing out on spring sports, participants in youth and legion baseball in Wayne have been preparing for a late start to their season since June 1 and will get their chance to compete against other towns beginning June 18.
American legion baseball teams will not be able to compete for postseason awards, but several Ralph Bishop League teams will play in the months of June and July. Also, six didgets along with eight broncos and pony youth baseball teams have come together to compete in a Northeast Nebraska League with the Tri-County League canceling their season.
Only coaches, players and game personnel will be allowed inside the Summer Sports Complex as they’ll enter from the west side. All other entrances have been blocked off as all fans are welcome to socially distance outside the outfield fence.
At Hank Overin Field, only household members will be allowed in the facility sitting six-feet on either side of the dugout. Board members or parents will be watching the gate to make sure the household members only are entering for both home and away towns. All other fans can sit outside the fence to watch.
Wayne Post 43 Juniors and Seniors will open their 2020 season on Thursday, June 18 hosting Ponca at 5:30/8 p.m. Other June outings for Wayne American Legion includes at Columbus Lakeview on Monday, June 22; hosting Pierce on Wednesday, June 24 and at Crofton on Friday, June 26. Post 43 Juniors will play at 5:30 p.m. with Seniors to follow around 8 p.m. The Wayne Post 43 Seniors will close out the month of June on Monday, June 29 with a double header hosting Creighton at 5:30/7:45 p.m.
Wayne Jr/Sr July games include back-to-back home contests against Pender on Wednesday, July 1 and Battle Creek on Thursday, July 2; at Arlington on Monday, July 6 and at Albion on Thursday, July 9 before hosting Tekamah-Herman on Friday, July 10. The Wayne Post 43 Seniors will host Lincoln Southwest in one, nine-inning contest at 1 p.m. on Sunday, July 12.
The Wayne Jrs/Srs will then visit Hooper-Scribner on Wednesday, July 15.
Wayne Post 43 Seniors will also compete in the Springfield Tournament against Wahoo, Mount Michael Benedictine, Springfield and Ashland between Friday, July 17 – Sunday, July 19.
The Wayne Post 43 Jrs/Srs will close out July with three of four on the road. Wayne will visit Ponca on Wednesday, July 22; host Crofton on Thursday, July 23; play at O’Neill on Monday, July 27 and visit Wakefield on Tuesday, July 28. Again, all Jr/Sr double headers are scheduled for 5:30/8 p.m. with more games possibly added.
Another Seniors only tournament will be hosted by Bennington Thursday, July 30 – Sunday, August 2 against Alliance, Blair, Concordia and an opponent to be determined.
Didget games will begin Thursday, June 18 and be played on Thursday’s and Monday’s until the opening round of the playoffs will be played at the highest seed on Sunday, July 19. Bronco games will also start on June 18 and be held each Thursday and Monday until the opening round of the playoffs hosted by the highest seed on Monday, July 20. Pony baseball games will open on Sunday, June 21 as teams will compete against one another each Sunday and Wednesday until the opening round of the playoffs is hosted by the highest seed on Tuesday, July 21.
2020 Northeast Nebraska League Master Schedule
Didgets:
Pender
Wayne Blue
West Point Patriots
West Point Twins
Dodge-Howells
Wayne White
Broncos:
Wayne White
West Point Patriots
West Point Twins
Pierce
Dodge-Howells
Pender
Wakefield
Wayne Blue
Ponies:
Wayne Blue
Pierce
Wakefield
West Point Twins
West Point Patriots
Pender
Dodge-Howells
Oakland