Heat runs high at USSSA Eastern Natl. Championships, health officials urge hyrdation

SALISBURY, Md. – Spirits and competition are running high at the USSSA Eastern National Championship in Salisbury.

Heat Runs High on the Diamond

And, so is the heat.

“It’s really hot out here. So, we’ve just got to stay hydrated and drink a lot,” said Eastern Shore Velocity Fastpitch Softball (ESV) player, Ella Twilley between innings. “I just have to keep pushing through, and keep in mind that I’m playing for a team that needs me. And, they need the spirit.”

As the hours and days of the tournament stretch on, ESV step-in coach Jessica Smith says hydration is top of mind.

“It’s very important. A lot of these young girls think it’s a joke. But, when you start feeling like you’re going to pass out, it’s not a joke at all,” said Smith.

Smith says it’s not just the tournament that’s demanding players’ energy and hydration. “When we play this many days in a row, there’s no breaks. Some of these girls leave after here and go to little league games. Four games in a day in this heat is a lot,” she said.

“Water, water, water.”

Of course, players and their families lugged their softball gear, tents, and coolers into Winter Place Park; just one of many tournament locations. However, health officials say the most important things they can bring with them are plenty of water, sunscreen, and other ways to beat the heat.

“We can’t say it enough. Water, water, water,” said Jennifer Johnson of the Wicomico County Health Department. “I think a lot of the time we don’t think of replenishing. So, I think that it’s really important, even when they’re done playing ball, in the evening, after dinner, that they’re continuing to drink water.”

Johnson also says finding shade, and air conditioning if possible, is important. And if folks do have to spend time in the sun, Johnson recommends sunscreen.

“Even if they could wear longer sleeves, something thin, but longer sleeves, so that they avoid getting sun burned… Cold towels, if they can put them in a cooler, and then when they’re in the dugouts, they can put that around their neck,” said Johnson. “That can certainly reduce their temperature.”

Listen to Your Body, Watch Out For Others

And, as hard as it is to peel your eyes away from the battle on the diamond, Johnson says to go with your gut.

Johnson says that gut feeling can help others stay safe, as well.

“As much as you want to pay attention to your own body, you want to make sure you’re paying attention to people around you, to make sure they’re okay,” she said. “If somebody is starting to feel dizzy, definitely you want to call 911. Obviously, if somebody passes out, you definitely want to call 911.”