Above average June temperatures for KHSAA baseball

LEXINGTON, Ky. — High school baseball is back in Lexington this weekend with the best high school teams battling for a shot at state. Temperatures will be above average for this time of year with highs in the low to mid 90s.

The summer sun and baseball season go hand-in-hand. But even for early June, temperatures are above average this weekend for the KHSAA baseball state tournament.

"We had a meeting with the teams earlier in the week, telling them to start hydrating now. If you’re trying to hydrate right now, it's probably too late. Get those fluids in, stay in the shade," said KHSAA Associate Commissioner Butch Cope.

Cope oversees the baseball tournaments for KHSAA. While the association promotes healthy competition among 280 member schools, athlete safety is always at the forefront.

"If we get to a certain level, we just simply have to postpone and stop play and then come back and reevaluate it for baseball specifically we’ve got protective gear that we’re wearing, the catchers and umpires," Cope said.

According to KHSAA policy, all play stops when heat indexes are over 104 degrees. It won't get there this weekend, but at all levels of heat teams must have water and ice towels for cooling as needed.

"We have our sports medicine advisory committee; it's made up of doctors, medical professionals all across the state. They meet annually to review all of our policies," Cope said.

First and second round action is being played at Counter Clocks Stadium. Counter Clocks General Manager Justin Ferrarella said there are many places fans can get some shade.

"We’ve opened the taproom for some shade and to get out of the sun a little bit if they need to. We’ve also recommended—it's GA ticketing, so we’ve also recommended some areas where you can sit in the shade, our stables area or up close toward the roof where you’re covered," Ferrarella said.

The Counter Clocks staff are helping supply teams with water and are encouraging fans to hydrate as well.

"We want to be great hosts. We’re in the customer service and hospitality business, and again, we want to open our doors and be a great host and put on a great show and provide what we know how to provide," Ferrarella said.

Athletic trainers from UK Healthcare are also on site and are watching closely for signs of heat exhaustion and heat stroke.

The Counter Clocks also have EMS from Lexington Fire Department at all stadium events.

Some signs of heat exhaustion include dizziness, confusion and weakness. Anyone experiencing those symptoms should sip cold water, move to a cool area and loosen tight clothing.