By JOHN KANELIS / johnkanelis_92@hotmail.com
Silly me. I haveĀ been briefed on changes that got past me. So here is an amended — and corrected — version of an earlier blog item.
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Hey, y’all … I understand the Amarillo Sod Poodles’ 2021 baseball schedule is set.
Are you happy? You should be! The Sod Poodles will get to play ball this season, even though the Texas League where they competed in 2019 no longer exists. The Sod Poodles are playing in the Central League, so a “defense” of their Texas League pennant is now off the table.
The season begins May 4. The Sod Poodles will open their home schedule two weeks later, May 18, at Hodgetown.
Amarillo Sod Poodles announce 2021 regular season schedule (msn.com)
The picture you see with this blog was taken in 2019. There likely won’t be a packed ballpark when the Sod Poodles take the field in Amarillo against the Midland RockHounds. Social distancing requirements in the ongoing fight against the pandemic will limit crowd sizes at all sports venues in Texas. Will that quell the enthusiasm of the fans who will attend? Hardly.
I just want to sing the praises of the Amarillo minor-league franchise. It has signed a 10-year agreement with the Arizona Diamondbacks of the National League. The franchise, in only its second season of hardball, is getting national recognition.
I will hold my breath, too, as the Soddies get ready to play ball.