The wins won’t count, the stats won’t go into the record books, and there will be no postseason – but Harrisburg will play baseball this summer.

For the Bulldog seniors, it isn’t ideal, but they’re grateful for the opportunity.

“From the beginning of the quarantine, I just wanted one last game on Harrisburg’s field and we’re going to get that, so I’m happy,” Jonah Sanford said. “I’m just happy to be playing.”

Harrisburg coach Chris Ackman has been working towards that goal all spring.

“It’s been nerve-racking, just waiting to hear what the school’s going to allow, what the county’s going to allow, what the state’s going to allow,” Ackman said.

“Everybody has a boss. I know that (superintendent) Mr. Combs wants to allow us to play, but at the same time, he has to answer to somebody. It’s just been a long process.”

The Bulldogs were exploring different scenarios, but eventually joined a summer baseball league with the Columbia public schools, as well as Jefferson City and Helias among others.

“It worked out, they accommodated us though they got to start playing games on June 2, and we’re holding out until June 16,” Ackman said. “So it’s been a long process, but everyone’s been pretty great to work with.”

The Columbia public schools cannot play any teams from outside of Boone County due to restrictions that will expire beginning in July.

Harrisburg began practicing last week, with the first double header scheduled for June 16.

Brayden Hudson will attend Missouri Western in the fall, to continue his baseball career. Hudson and the other Bulldog participating seniors have stepped up into leadership roles.

"It’s a lot of fun, just trying to help and kind of coach with Jonah and the other seniors who show up,” Hudson said. “Just coaching the younger kids and helping them get into it.”

It can be difficult for some of the younger players to practice with a full effort without a full season and postseason to look forward to.

“You’ve got to show them, we’re still here and we don’t even go here anymore,” Hudson said. “We’re still putting in the work and trying to win games for Harrisburg.”

Some of the schools in the league have restrictions on fan attendance. No fans will be allowed at games at Southern Boone High School. Harrisburg is still planning on allowing fans at this point, trusting spectators will use common sense while attending.

It will give players, parents, and the community one more chance to see a special group of seniors to take Simpson Field in a Bulldog jersey for seven innings.

“It’s not as fun since we’re not playing for a district championship, or sectionals or anything like that,” Hudson said. “But just being out here with your best friends, that’s why we’re here.”

Harrisburg baseball schedule

6/16 vs Blair Oaks @ 6:00 pm DH (Home)

6/18 vs Boonville @ 6:00 pm DH (Away)

6/23 vs Helias @ 6:00 pm DH (Away)

6/25 vs Jeff City @ 6:00 pm DH (Away)

6/30 vs Blair Oaks @ 6:00 pm DH (Home)

7/2 vs Fulton @ 6:00 pm DH (Home)

7/7 vs Macon @ 5:30 pm DH (Home)