It’s been a wild summer for Lynn Babe Ruth, but all of the uncertainties and delays have culminated in what is sure to be an exciting end to the summer for the city’s three teams — an event dubbed, “The COVID Games.”
“We’re incredibly excited to have an opportunity to play in this kind of an event, especially after everything that has happened this year,” said Lynn Babe Ruth president Jeff Earp. “It took us two weeks total to put everything together, pick teams and have practices, but it’s all going to be worth it when these kids get out on the field.
The COVID Games, which received special approval from Gov. Charlie Baker’s office to host the event, will bring together teams from around the state for a series of games over the next two weeks. The divisions will be separated by age, with Lynn having one team each in the 13s, 14s and 15s divisions. Teams are guaranteed at least four games, two at home and two on the road, and they will start off with pool play to determine who will move on to play for the championship. Pool play begins Friday night for all teams, with the eventual championship game planned for Sept. 12 at BC High.
“It should be a great series of games, and everyone is really excited about it,” said Earp. “We have three incredibly talented teams that we’ve put together, and I think we’re going to have a lot of success with all of them.”
The Lynn teams will be coached by Josh McGrath (13s), Rich Avery (14s) and Christian Burt (15s).
“They’re all great coaches and they couldn’t be more excited to take part in this event,” Earp said of the coaches.
The COVID Games open up Friday night, with the three Lynn teams scattered around the map. The Lynn 13s will take on Peabody at 8 p.m. at Peabody High, the Lynn 14s travel to Methuen High to go up against Methuen at 7 p.m. and the Lynn 15s will play Newton on the road at Newton High at 8 p.m.