Clubhouse Chatter: To play or not to play spring high school spring sports?

You read what our columnists and sports writers have to say each day about the teams you follow. Ever wonder what they think about life in and out of the sandbox? Let's ask.

Should high schools go ahead with the spring season?

There's no question this is an unprecedented situation. Health and safety have to be considered above all. With spring break weeks looming, we would hope everyone does their part to help slow the spread of COVID-19. That said, I would implore school districts and the IHSA to not jump the gun on canceling the spring high school sports season. Let's reevaluate things as spring breaks come to a close between now and April 6 and the hope would be that as people take this pandemic seriously, it will slow down and spring sports can resume in April.

— John Radtke

In tennis and badminton a net separates opponents, keeping them 6 feet apart or more. In track a relay baton can be sanitized. Softball and baseball can get away with fewer conferences around the pitcher. Bottom line: If school is in session, let the kids play.

— Orrin Schwarz

It's March 16 today. There might come a day when spring sports need to be canceled, but I hope before any final decisions are made we give it a little time to see where things are at. Too many student-athletes have worked too hard for this moment not to hold out hope that social distancing and the steps the country has taken could turn this situation in a positive direction. And if it hasn't, then make that call.

— John Lemon

I see Tanner Boyle, the baddest Bad News Bear, miffed, angry and running around the Astrodome infield, eluding ballpark security, showing off the moves of a 2,000-yard rusher. Astros slugger Bob Watson starts the chant. “LET. THEM. PLAY. LET. THEM. PLAY.” Sure, we have to be safe. But let's not be so quick to cancel high school sports' spring season before it starts. Heck, lousy weather normally wipes out two weeks of outdoor games anyway. Can we chill a little, while it's chilly outside? We're just getting started. Like Tanner said, “We're not finished.”

— Joe Aguilar

I spoke with more than two dozen prep baseball coaches the last couple weeks, and I closed each conversation with the same handful of words: Good luck this season.

I hope the words ring true.

Prep baseball is played outdoors in a wide-open field with the players separated by massive amounts of space and no more than about 20 players in each dugout. Few spectators attend other than parents. On the surface, prep baseball looks like the ideal sport to play during the pandemic.

That said, there are too many unknowns. Until we're sure our kids are safe — which may take longer than we'd like — I see no way the spring sports season can continue.

— Kevin Schmit

We all understand public safety is of paramount importance in this situation. Let's wait until health officials say it's safe. Then play.

High school seniors won't get another shot at this. They will get no relief ala their NCAA counterparts who may be granted an extra year of eligibility. They will simply move on. When the situation is deemed clear, let's give these kids one last opportunity to compete, whether it ends up being a season of eight weeks, four weeks or playoffs only. This opportunity comes once in a lifetime.

— Jerry Fitzpatrick

Yes, with caution. I think it is reasonable to take a wait-and-see approach. Let's see if coronavirus will be contained and controlled in the coming weeks. If so, the spring sports season can begin with an abbreviated schedule. In the meantime, high school athletes can prepare for their spring sports seasons in a way they, their parents and their coaches see fit. Perhaps that involves working out on their own for awhile, perhaps team practices can resume if and when health officials give word of the containment. That's why I think it's premature to cancel the entire spring sports season. A good portion of it could still be salvaged.

— Patricia Babcock

McGraw

Tough decision. That's something that has to be left in the hands of more qualified school district administrators who should have a much better take on how coronavirus is affecting the student-athletes. My opinion is their opinion. It's hard to say now because you don't know what the situation will be in two weeks when spring sports action would resume.

— John Leusch

Selfishly, I'd like to see high schools continue the spring season. High school sports create a unique community not often found elsewhere. High school sports combine purity, accomplished talent and healthy activity. Spring athletics provides finality to the academic year — and to seniors, a resolution to their prep careers, and camaraderie some may never again experience.

— Dave Oberhelman