Little leaguers play through the heat

TERRE HAUTE, Ind. (WTHI) - While the dry weather and scorching heat have cancelled fireworks this week, one local baseball league  didn't let the extreme weather put off their annual tournament.

It is scene of America's pastime against the backdrop that's become the scenery of the Midwest; scorching heat, mixed with blazing sun.

While the fields of green are a little brown Saturday, Jay Knott's Terre Haute North Little League team plays through it all.

"So far we're 1 and 0, but a lot of baseball left,” Knott said.

His team is just one of 20 teams competing at the Patriot All Star Invitational tournament. While he is a coach, Jay is also the president of the league and one of the key decision makers in making sure the tournament plays on safely.

"Fortunately with the forecast we knew it was coming, we were able to prepare,” Knott said, “each dugout has ice water with cups in it; coolers with ice water and cold towels in them. We have a hall next door that’s 3000 square feet (and it’s) air conditioned. All the teams can go to it in between games."

The heat doesn't just pose a health hazard to these players it adds a different element to the game.

"Pop-flies are a whole different ball game in this heat. That ball seems to move, you're a little dehydrated all ready, your eyes are moving a little bit different,” he said.

These extreme sun and temperatures make life difficult for more than just the secondary school sluggers.

"Alot of times we worry more about our coaches, our volunteers, and our elderly fans than we do about our players.” Knott said, “Kids are pretty resilient, but some of our volunteers and elderly are stubborn and they maybe don't take precautions like we do with the kids.”

That’s why the league has set up tents for fans as well as misting stations; to give every one a chance to cool down.

A league playing on through one of the toughest dry spells in Wabash Valley history.