Connecticut

Soggy Weather Causes Headache for Softball Tournament

Teams across New England have practiced and prepared all summer for a chance to shine on the diamond in Connecticut at the East Regional softball tournament, but Monday’s weather put a damper on the event.

The first game at the Giamatti Little League Complex in Bristol was scheduled to start at 10 a.m. The first pitch of that match-up, between Maine and Massachusetts, wasn’t tossed until 4:15 p.m.

“This just messes up the whole tournament,” said softball parent Caralyn Grieco, Peabody, Mass.

The weather was a disappointment for dozens of girls who were pulled off the field Monday morning.

“We’ve never made it even close to this far and we put a lot of practice into this,” Hailey Roach, Peabody, Mass.

Volunteers tried to keep up with puddles that collected quickly on the tarp covering the field. They too have put a lot of time into getting ready for this year’s regional softball tournament.

“We obviously want the playing field to be as safe as possible for the girls,” said Little League Baseball Asst. Regional Director Amry Shelby.

“I’d rather see her play and have fun and the rain doesn’t-I’m a New Englander so this doesn’t bother us,” Grieco said.

While the weather put a damper on the tournament, businesses like Flight Trampoline Park in New Britain were jumping for joy at their good fortune.

“Once those games are starting to get canceled we see all the teams coming in here,” explained general manager Megan Evans.

Plenty of parents found the high flying fun the perfect way for their kids to burn off some energy.

“We were going to Six Flags waterpark, looked at the weather, went on Groupon and here we are,” Keri Harris of Colchester, said.

“We have a pool. We usually spend the morning in the pool and this morning just our plans got changed,” added Sara Bell of Bristol.

With more dreary days ahead, moms Harris and Bell know it could be a long week.

“Trying to find something to do to keep these guys occupied,” said Bell.

“What else can we do? You dig deep and you just keep finding fun things to do,” said Harris.

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