Roseburg Dr. Stewarts Begin Tryouts For Upcoming Season

The Roseburg Dr. Stewarts baseball team has begun piecing together a potential summer exhibition season with Area 4 teams and some others around the state. The Docs have begun tryouts with up to eight or nine kids at a time going through position work this week in order to follow state distancing guidelines. The team won’t be playing under American Legion as the organization cancelled their season earlier this year. “We’re just trying to get kids out of the house and playing baseball. Safely and responsibly, most of the kids will be playing college ball this fall so trying to get them ready,” Docs coach Jeremiah Robbins said. “We’re just trying to get through this tryout and into Phase 2 when they open things up for more kids and the team can get together. The big issue is facilities since the high schools are shut down right now. We’re going to do the best we can to do something for these kids to enjoy and grow from this summer.” The Area 4 league in which the Docs play in includes two Eugene teams along with Medford, Grants Pass and Klamath Falls. There is also some interest from some Bend schools that have facilities. “There are so many different dates we’ve heard so were waiting to get concrete dates,” Robbins said. “We’re nowhere near ready to play games with our players, we need to practice and do things right as far as the guidelines and keep them moving around.” There is also the possibility that Douglas county high school teams could compete against each other this summer at Champion Car Wash field. “It really helps out where they can get something out of their summer playing baseball,” Robbins said. “Our Douglas county coaches are excited about it, and will see when they open.” Umpqua Valley Christian would be one of the Douglas County teams to play in the league if it materializes. UVC won the 1A OSAA state title last season but didn’t get a chance to defend their crown as the spring sports season was cancelled. “I think the goal is we haven’t had a spring season, were trying to get these kids some time on the field,” UVC coach Dave York said. “The heart of it is to get as many kids in high school in the county some development and hopefully we can get it coming together.” “We’re just waiting on how the Governors phases play out and what that will allow,” York said. “I’m hoping will see some more of that opening up and some modifications of that.”