|
|
|
PITTSBURG —
The last two weeks have been the start of the summer sizzle in Southeast Kansas. In fact, of the last two weeks, there have been seven 100-degree or more days. The lowest high temperature in that period was 95 last Monday.
For those playing sports, the heat has been just another part of the game.
“We tell the guys this is what it’s like to be in the minor leagues,” said Rob Vessell, Joplin Outlaws head coach. “Getting used to it is big in the heat. Adapt and overcome, we tell them, if you want to play in the minor leagues.”
Vessell said that his team stops at a gas station before every game to pick up water and sports drinks to get hydrated.
But the game goes on despite the heat. And on some fields, the heat is even worse than it may seem. Vessell and others said the infill in the turf at JayCee Ballpark can add about 10 degrees to the air temperature for those playing on the field.
He said that the team’s own ballpark, at the Joplin Athletic Complex, can be just as bad if not worse.
“The last two weeks have been pretty rough,” Vessell said. “What we need is a really good rainout. Our grass is dying. We need a good day with nothing but water.”
Other groups have also taken steps to try to alleviate some of the effects of the heat. The Pittsburg Fastpitch Association has rescheduled some games in order to take advantage of less direct exposure to the heat.
“[Thursday’s] game was supposed to be played at 6 p.m., but we moved it back to 7:30. So with 30 minutes left in the game, the sun was just setting,” said Jeff Wood, PFA vice president. “We’re trying to accommodate that as best as we can.”
He also noted that several fields, including the PSU softball fields, have covered benches that help provide enough shade for the athletes to get out of the sun.
Other leagues, like J.L. Hutchinson baseball, have gone on as scheduled. But some activities through the Pittsburg Parks and Recreation department have been adjusted.
“The youth day camp spends a little more time indoors than usual. Because it’s from 1-4, that’s the heat of the day. We try to find them tag games to play inside to try to stay cool,” said Kim Vogel, Parks and Recreation director.
The last two weeks have been the start of the summer sizzle in Southeast Kansas. In fact, of the last two weeks, there have been seven 100-degree or more days. The lowest high temperature in that period was 95 last Monday.
For those playing sports, the heat has been just another part of the game.
“We tell the guys this is what it’s like to be in the minor leagues,” said Rob Vessell, Joplin Outlaws head coach. “Getting used to it is big in the heat. Adapt and overcome, we tell them, if you want to play in the minor leagues.”
Vessell said that his team stops at a gas station before every game to pick up water and sports drinks to get hydrated.
But the game goes on despite the heat. And on some fields, the heat is even worse than it may seem. Vessell and others said the infill in the turf at JayCee Ballpark can add about 10 degrees to the air temperature for those playing on the field.
He said that the team’s own ballpark, at the Joplin Athletic Complex, can be just as bad if not worse.
“The last two weeks have been pretty rough,” Vessell said. “What we need is a really good rainout. Our grass is dying. We need a good day with nothing but water.”
Other groups have also taken steps to try to alleviate some of the effects of the heat. The Pittsburg Fastpitch Association has rescheduled some games in order to take advantage of less direct exposure to the heat.
“[Thursday’s] game was supposed to be played at 6 p.m., but we moved it back to 7:30. So with 30 minutes left in the game, the sun was just setting,” said Jeff Wood, PFA vice president. “We’re trying to accommodate that as best as we can.”
He also noted that several fields, including the PSU softball fields, have covered benches that help provide enough shade for the athletes to get out of the sun.
Other leagues, like J.L. Hutchinson baseball, have gone on as scheduled. But some activities through the Pittsburg Parks and Recreation department have been adjusted.
“The youth day camp spends a little more time indoors than usual. Because it’s from 1-4, that’s the heat of the day. We try to find them tag games to play inside to try to stay cool,” said Kim Vogel, Parks and Recreation director.
Even the most experienced have to deal with the heat, however. Vessell said one of his players was taken to a hospital from a game in St. Joseph, Mo., after being affected by the heat.
But no matter how hot it is, the game must go on. And the players at every level, as Vessell instructed, must adjust and adapt.
“If there’s one thing baseball players are accustomed to, it’s heat,” said Stuart Jeck, Nevada (Mo.) Griffons shortstop. “This is when we play. So you have to get used to it.”
Andrew Nash can be reached at andrew.nash@morningsun.net or by calling 231-2600 ext. 140.
