Winter Garden Little League cancels rest of spring season

The bad news continues for local youth athletes this week, as Winter Garden Little League announced in a Facebook post Wednesday, May 20, that it was canceling its spring season due to the coronavirus pandemic.

The news comes just five days after Windermere Little League canceled its own season, and a few weeks after Little League called off its regional tournaments and World Series for the first time in its history.

“Please understand that the decision to cancel the season was not an easy one,” said the Winter Garden Little League Board of Directors in its post. “We have taken the last several weeks to research all options and requirements of handling COVID-19 that were laid forth by local and state government as well as those precautions and safety considerations from the CDC and governing health organizations. While all options were reviewed and considered, we found this to be the best for the overall health and safety of our players, their families, and our volunteers.”

Just as with Windermere Little League, Winter Garden Little League has already paid for the items needed during a season — including uniforms and field supplies — and is currently working on a plan to lessen the financial blow to players and families.

The Winter Garden Little League Board of Directors also stated that it is continuing to monitor the situation, and if there is an opportunity to play again in group settings, it would notify the organization’s families. At this time, however, the fields will remain closed and off limits for practices, scrimmages, games or batting cage use.

“As always, we are thankful for the love and support of our WGLL families and volunteers, and we are hopeful to be back, better than ever, during the Fall season!,” the league said in its post. “Stay safe, and stay healthy and see you all in the fall.”