Indians' coach issues survey

May 2--By Mike Tupa

[email protected]

John Pannell is doing all he can to insure a summer baseball season in Bartlesville for high school-aged athletes.

But, it's the political powers that be -- including the Oklahoma Secondary Schools Activities Association -- the ultimately will make the final call.

Team gatherings are still prohibited by rules put in place due to the anxiety caused by the influenza known as the coronavirus, specifically COVID-19.

The OSSAA is set to meet next week to discuss any modifications to those rules, Pannell said.

Meanwhile, Pannell has posted on Facebook a survey that those interested in playing baseball can fill out. It appears on the Doenges Ford Indians account.

Pannell said he's trying to get a heads-up on the interest among young men that want to participate.

He said he would set tryouts "right away" as soon as the OSSAA gives approval.

"We're in the same boat with everybody in the state," he added.

The OSSAA's policy is essential because the OSSAA claims jurisdiction for all playing facilities used by schools. Being that Bill Doenges Memorial Stadium is owned by the Bartlesville School District, the OSSAA could prevent competitive summer baseball from playing there, even if the team is not connected to the high school program and is leasing use of the facility.

Another complication is that adjoining states have different rules for their sports teams, which could impact on whether those teams could travel to Oklahoma to play, or whether the Indians could play there, Pannell said.

For the first time since 1936, the Indians won't be affiliated by charter with American Legion Legion baseball. Insurance-wise, the team will be part of AABC baseball, Pannell said.

But, that creates another potential barrier, depending on whether the AABC will hold its national tournaments and where.

The bottom line for Pannell?

"We'll play whoever we can play."

For now, it's just a frustrating waiting game on whether area high school seniors -- who were robbed of their senior year in high school spring sports -- will be able to play summer baseball or other summer sports.

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