Spanish Fort baseball opens season amidst ongoing AHSAA, umpire pay d…

SPANISH FORT, Ala. (WKRG) — High school baseball opening day was Thursday for schools along the Gulf Coast. The threat of severe weather delayed games for Mobile County Public Schools.

Despite an ongoing pay dispute between umpires and the Alabama High School Athletic Association, Spanish Fort High School hosted St. Paul’s in the Hank Aaron Classic. The game started on time and without problem.

Earlier this week, WKRG reported that two different umpire organizations plan to service schools in southern Alabama. The long-standing group has signed contracts with most of the private school, as well as city schools including Saraland, Gulf Shores and Orange Beach.

The “newly formed” group had agreed to call Mobile and Baldwin County schools and UMS-Wright.

WKRG spoke with a 15-year umpire during tonight’s matchup, who wished to stay anonymous. He said everybody needs to come together for the greater good of the…