The Shawano Leader

New extra-inning format stirs debate as teams plot strategy

Published by admin on Fri, 07/10/2020 - 1:40pm

Baseball has its answer to penalty kicks, overtimes and shootouts, and it figures to stir just as much debate as all those other tiebreakers.

Major League Baseball will start each extra inning in this abbreviated, 60-game season by putting a runner on second base. The rule has been used since 2018 in the minor leagues, where it created more action and settled games sooner.

“It’s like ‘arena baseball,’” said Scott Thorman, who managed the Kansas City Royals’ Single-A Carolina League affiliate in Wilmington, Delaware, last season.

Ski Sharks’ Faith Passehl to compete in state swivel competition

Published by admin on Fri, 07/10/2020 - 1:32pm

Faith Passehl will represent the Shawano Ski Sharks at the 2020 Wisconsin State Water Ski Show Championships on July 16 in Wisconsin Rapids.

Passehl will compete in the swivel competition. She is one of 18 competitors scheduled to take part in the event, which is set for a 10 a.m. start on Lake Wazeecha.

The competition will serve as a national qualifying event for Passehl and the rest of the competitors.

Big Ten to limit football, fall sports to conference games

Published by admin on Thu, 07/09/2020 - 4:05pm

The Big Ten Conference announced Thursday it will not play nonconference games in football and several other sports this fall, the most dramatic move yet by a power conference because of the coronavirus pandemic.

The league cited medical advice in making its decision and added, ominously, that the plan would be applied only “if the conference is able to participate in fall sports.”

Donald Driver Charity Softball Game postponed

Published by admin on Thu, 07/09/2020 - 3:04pm

The organizers of the Donald Driver Charity Softball Game have announced that the game will be postponed due to concerns over the COVID-19 outbreak.

The game was to be held July 26 at Neuroscience Group Field at Fox Cities Stadium and would have featured a Super Bowl championship reunion as part of the game. The organizers are hoping to announce a date on which the game can be safely held for everyone in the future.

Wisconsin’s game against Northwestern moved from Wrigley to Ryan Field

Published by admin on Thu, 07/09/2020 - 3:02pm

Wisconsin’s football game against Northwestern scheduled for Nov. 7 at Wrigley Field in Chicago is being moved to Ryan Field because of uncertainties due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Northwestern announced the decision Wednesday after consulting with the Chicago Cubs, state and local authorities and the Big Ten Conference. Athletic director Jim Phillips cited the possibility of a limited crowd at the famed ballpark even if fans were allowed.

He called it “a disappointing conclusion to reach” and said the Wildcats hope to play there again “with a packed house.”

Boldt’s clutch hit caps Bonduel’s win over Coleman

Published by admin on Thu, 07/09/2020 - 2:57pm

Isaac Boldt’s hit to the left-center gap scored Jack Johnson to give Bonduel a thrilling 8-7 win over Coleman on Wednesday in Bonduel.

“I faced him (the Coleman pitcher) a couple innings before that and he wasn’t throwing too hard. I knew it was probably a fastball coming — it was a 2-1 count, I think. I got a good look at the first (fastball) and fouled it off and then that one was dead center (down the middle) so I was able to square it up really nice,” said Boldt of his walk-off hit.

Mask debate extends to school athletics

Published by admin on Tue, 07/07/2020 - 9:01am

What was listed as an update on buildings and grounds in the Shawano School District on Monday turned into a heated discussion on whether high school athletes can be required to wear masks in a world where coronavirus is still considered a threat.

Speedway honors veterans on July 4

Published by admin on Mon, 07/06/2020 - 1:25pm

One of the best nights of the season fittingly took place on July 4 at the Shawano Speedway as local racing heroes paid tribute to the true heroes — veterans.

Salute to the Veterans night would not have fireworks in the sky, but the oohs and aahs were definitely present as the racing action was spectacular. Over 30 veterans went home with some amazing prizes and five drivers went home with custom Salute to the Veterans hardware for their feature wins.

Brewers’ Yelich knows he had fortunate timing on new deal

Published by admin on Mon, 07/06/2020 - 1:13pm

Milwaukee Brewers outfielder Christian Yelich acknowledges he benefited from fortunate timing in his contract negotiations.

The Brewers held a March 6 news conference to announce that the 2018 NL MVP had agreed to a nine-year, $215 million contract. Spring training was halted less than a week later because of the coronavirus pandemic.

Yelich’s deal was finalized before the loss of revenue from Major League Baseball’s shortened season and labor unrest created at least some uncertainty about the game’s financial future.

Brewers’ Braun says he’s now more likely to play beyond 2020

Published by admin on Mon, 07/06/2020 - 1:10pm

Milwaukee Brewers veteran Ryan Braun said he’s more likely to continue playing beyond 2020 because of the unusual circumstances of this pandemic-shortened season.

Braun said in January that he was considering retiring after the season. He was more bullish on his baseball future Saturday as the Brewers held the first full-squad workout of their summer camp ahead of the 60-game season that starts later this month.

“I feel like it’s more likely that I play another year than I anticipated a few months back,” Braun said.