MOODY: Play high school playoff games at night

The NIAA baseball post-season is about a month away, and Reno and Galena high schools have been chosen as the host playoff sites.

Personally, I liked the way it was done in the old days when Carson and Reno were used because they had lights and, at that time, probably had the best fields.

I think the playoff games should be played at night whenever possible if for no other reason than to make it easier for parents to attend games WITHOUT having to get off work early. When you are starting games at 12:30 or 1 in the afternoon as was the case a few years ago at Bishop Manogue, parents are forced to take pretty much a whole day off or three-quarters of a day off.

By playing games at 4:30 and 7:30 p.m. you don't have quite as much of a problem for parents trying to attend that early game. And, you ensure yourself of a good student body crowd. And, if only one game is scheduled at a site on a particular day then start it at 7.

Players at schools that don't normally play under the lights are going to say it's an unfair advantage. Give teams an option of playing a night game whenever they come to Carson or Reno. For as much as Washoe complains about transportation, playing a night game would ease that burden a little.

Or, have Carson and Reno open up their fields for night practices before the tournament gets under way.

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One thing that has always had me scratching my head in bewilderment is the different schedules that certain districts have here in Northern Nevada. Washoe County schools are observing their Easter break next week, but Carson and Douglas don't have theirs until the following week.

Would it be that hard to get reps from the various school districts in a room and try to come to some sort of compromise in terms of the school calendar? It makes absolutely no sense for some schools to be off and some not when they are competing in the same athletic leagues.

For instance, Carson was forced to stay home next week and play in the Spanish Springs tourney instead of going to Las Vegas or even Turlock because school officials didn't want the players missing several days of school.

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The annual NFL Draft is almost upon us, and I have to wonder why have a draft if you don't even know if there is going to be a season?

Everybody expects there is going to be an 11th hour settlement and that no games will be lost. I don't think either side can afford to miss an entire season. I'd like both sides to quit acting like idiots and settle the darn thing. The fans are getting screwed, and they are the ones that have supported their teams year in and year out. They are the people that keep paying outrageous ticket prices, and they are the ones that pay higher taxes to support the building of new stadiums.

Just once I wish the owners and players would think about the fans. Just once guys. Have some compassion for us little guys.