Players, Parents Brave Heat for 2016 Little League Softball Eastern Regional Tournament

Umbrellas lined the bleachers Monday to block out the sun at the 2016 Little League Softball Eastern Regional Tournament.

"I think we would all be melting and we would just be laying down," said Tracey Ditroia about her pinned umbrella.

Ditroa joined dozens of other parents braving the bleachers to watch the softball at the Giamatti Little League Center.

"It's so hot and we give these girls lots of credit for being out here in the heat while the moms get to sit here and relax under umbrellas. But our girls are working it tonight," said Ditroia.

Between hits and scoops, organizers said keeping players safe in the sweltering heat is the biggest concern.

"When teams are playing or practicing we have Gatorade coolers, water coolers in the dugouts, the practice fields, the batting cages, and also in between innings we ice down the players with iced towels. At the top half of the inning and bottom half of the inning we make sure they're staying cool," said Assistant East Region Director Amry Shelby.

Parents said coaches are keeping a close eye on athletes. Adding, if a player needs to take a break from the heat they can no matter what time during the game.

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