The Morning Journal (Lorain, OH)
City, youth baseball league work out contract
Lorain City Council has approved the paperwork needed for youth baseball to use municipal ball diamonds at Campana Park.
But the chief of the city league said International City Baseball nearly struck out for the summer, based on costs and requirements in the lease.
On May 18, City Council approved a lease for International City Baseball to use the ball fields at the park, 2840 Meister Road.
The document was being revised this week — much to the relief of the league leaders, said Walter Klamer, president of International City Baseball.
“We worked out what’s fair,” Klamer said, noting he and Lorain Safety-Service
Director Max Upton spent at least an hour in a conference call working out details. “I just needed help to keep the park maintained and, hopefully, upgraded.”
Under the original agreement, International City Baseball was to pay $1 to lease the park — but have a mandatory investment of $10,000 in improvements, subject to city approval.
“There’s no possible way any baseball league would be able to maintain that,” Klamer said. “It’s just not possible.
“There’s no possible way to afford that even if we had a great year.”
Tough call
On May 18, Council members Mitch Fallis, Pamela Carter, Joshua Thornsberry and Rey Carrion commented on the lease during their meeting.
Other communities have canceled their youth sport summer seasons and activities due to concerns and safety measures needed because of the novel coronavirus pandemic.
The Council members agreed time was of the essence for International City Baseball to organize quickly as social activities resume.
But they suggested more review was needed for the deal between the city and the league.
Upton, Law Director Pat Riley and Assistant Law Director Don Zaleski encouraged Council to pass the contract that night because it allows the law director to change terms based on negotiations with the league leaders.
On May 21, Klamer said he was awaiting the revised contract, but was confident the agreement would work out.
“The contract terms should be good,” he said.
Play ball
The league has scheduled a draft for June 1, with play to begin July 6.
The league has about 200 players, about half of the number of a regular year, and about half of those signed up already want their registration fees back due to COVID-19, Klamer said.
“My biggest concern now is enough players to make the teams and make sense getting it together,” he said.
International City Baseball intends to field teams this year working with health precautions needed due to COVID-19.
The league will open enrollment to players from other communities because some towns have canceled their youth summer sports, Klamer said.
“I just want the kids to be able to play,” he said.
International City Baseball registration will remain open until the start of the season.
Players will be placed on appropriate teams, and teams from other communities will be placed in divisions with peer teams.