Wittenberg Enterprise & Birnamwood News

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.

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.”

Middle school girls’ softball gets the go-ahead

Published by admin on Tue, 07/07/2020 - 5:08pm

Next spring, Wittenberg-Birnamwood middle school girls will have the opportunity to participate in softball. The sport will be based on an eight-week season, two games per week and several practices prior to the start of the season.

Superintendent Garrett Rogowski shared his research with the Wittenberg-Birnamwood School Board regarding beginning expenses and estimated annual costs.

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.

Bucks close practice facility following COVID-19 testing

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

The Milwaukee Bucks have closed their practice facility following the team’s latest round of testing for the coronavirus.

Bucks officials confirmed Sunday that they had closed the facility and that they aren’t planning to reopen it before leaving for Florida on Thursday to prepare for the NBA’s resumption of the season at Walt Disney World.

The news of the closing was first reported by ESPN, which said the Bucks closed the facility after receiving results from Friday’s testing.

Packers to play before significantly smaller Lambeau crowds

Published by admin on Mon, 07/06/2020 - 1:04pm

The Green Bay Packers will play before significantly fewer fans at Lambeau Field this year, if they play in front of any at all.

The Packers told season ticket holders Friday to prepare for a football season unlike any the NFL has experienced because of the coronavirus pandemic.