Archambault on unique challenges of baseball in a pandemic
Published April 16, 2020
By DAN PAWLOWSKI
NORTH READING — Okay campers, rise and shine and don’t forget your baseball gloves because it’s cold out there today. It’s cold out there everyday.
That’s right it’s Groundhog Day for spring student athletes and coaches who wake up every morning in the midst of a pandemic containing them in a reality far more dismal than Punxsutawney in February.
“This is just another reminder to never take anything for granted,” said North Reading High varsity baseball coach Eric Archambault. “I certainly think there will be a little extra ‘pep in our step’ the next time we take the field. Everyone is just anxious to get back out there.”
It’s a feeling no doubt shared across the globe by athletes and coaches alike no matter the sport or level.
In Massachusetts, it’s a feeling perpetuated by the ever-changing start dates of a potential season that is equal parts hopeful and discouraging. As the start date for school continues to be pushed back by the state, the MIAA continues to adapt and make new plans.
It’s kind of like Bill Murray answering what his chance of departure is. A confident 100 percent on Feb. 2 turns into a more hesitant 80 percent…75-80.
The current spring sports plan is to return with classes on May 4, play an 8-12 game schedule and set up a tournament to conclude on June 27.
We are probably at the part of the movie where Murray is eating a table full of desserts at the local diner.
“I don’t worry about anything anymore,” says Murray’s Phil Connors. “I don’t even have to floss.”
While the state of spring sports might now be coinciding with a daily routine more boring than the Pennsylvania Polka, Archambault is hoping his Hornets can stay optimistic and stay ready.
That’s a huge challenge in baseball, especially for a hands-on coach like “Arch” whose passion for teaching the game is also being put on hold.
“The first thing we have been encouraging them to do is stay safe,” said Archambault. “As badly as everyone wants to get together and play sports, we have to realize how serious of a situation this is.
“As far as staying ready for the season, we have been encouraging them to keep working hard on their own. There are plenty of ways to improve themselves through individual workouts or skill development.”
For now, the best way to deal with this new reality is to treat it like Phil Connors at the end of the movie. Challenge yourself to make the most of your time, to the point where even if this continues, all will be well.
“I hope that the players try to find the positives in all of this. Baseball is a sport based around failure and how you respond to adversity,” explains Archambault. “I hope the players take this opportunity to strengthen their relationships with family members, continue to work hard at the sport of baseball and understand that we will all come out of this stronger.”
Then, who knows, maybe by May 4 the spell will be broken. Today will become tomorrow and tomorrow will include an exciting baseball campaign.
“We are certainly preparing as if there will be an 8-12 game season,” said Archambault. “While obviously everyone wanted a full season, I think the MIAA and CAL have done an excellent job preparing us for what an abbreviated one will look like. I am excited by the opportunity of a jam-packed season.”
Twelve games in one month. That would certainly be a doozie.