For many, sports has always been the perfect escape.
Tough day at work, sit down later that day and watch your favorite team with a drink in hand. Long day at school, head out afterward for a couple of hours with your friends.
For 365 days there is usually something on or to play: football, basketball, baseball, softball, soccer, field hockey, ice hockey, etc. Except this year has been anything but usual.
The COVID-19 pandemic affected everything, and sports was no exception. The train arrived in March and one by one games and seasons were either postponed or canceled. From youth leagues through the professional ranks, everything stopped. There were some exceptions in some places, but by and large, everything came to a halt, even in Hampshire County.
It’s been a story that will continue into 2021. The winter season in 2020 came to a crashing halt. It was postseason time for high schools and colleges when they were sent home. Some teams were warming up for games that were minutes from starting when they were told to leave.
The spring season never happened, while summer sports were delayed until guidelines and health standards were reached.
Some high school sports returned in the fall, but they were different. Fans were kept to a minimum and masks were worn during competition. Games were played to keep kids involved and safe with little emphasis put on wins and losses. Similar efforts are being taken so kids continue to have opportunities in 2021. Nothing is guaranteed, though, as the pandemic lingers into the new year.
Mike Moran can be reached at mmoran@gazettenet.com. Follow on Twitter @mikemoranDHG.