With Major League Baseball not providing players to its affiliates, the 2020 Minor League season was officially cancelled. It marks a first in the league’s history since being founded in 1901.
“These are unprecedented times for our country and our organization as this is the first time in our history that we’ve had a summer without Minor League Baseball played,” MiLB president Pat O’Conner said in a statement.
“While this is a sad day for many, this announcement removes the uncertainty surrounding the 2020 season and allows our teams to begin planning for an exciting 2021 season of affordable family entertainment.”
The cancellation had long been considered a foregone conclusion as MLB and the Players Association went through several rounds of negotiations in efforts to organize its 2020 season. Ultimately, commissioner Rob Manfred was required to impose a 60-game season.
The Los Angeles Dodgers reportedly have committed to paying their Minor League players through August. The team continued to provide payments past the original deadline, and David Price personally committed $1,000 to each Minor Leaguer who is not on the Dodgers’ 40-man roster.
With the 2020 MiLB season officially called off, teams presumably will look to add more prospects and Minor Leaguers to their respective player pools. The Dodgers’ initial player pool comprised of 51 players, leaving them with nine open spots.
Oklahoma City Dodgers statement
“Although we are saddened, we fully support the decision made by Major League Baseball and Minor League Baseball to cancel the 2020 Minor League Baseball season,” OKC Dodgers president and general manager Michael Byrnes said.
“During this time, we must do what is in the best interest of public health and safety so we can welcome Dodgers baseball back to Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark in the future. We want to thank our fans for their patience and understanding. We encourage everyone to continue to stay safe and follow public health guidelines so we can come together and cheer on the Dodgers for the 2021 season.”
All tickets purchased for the 2020 season — including season ticket packages, group outings, hospitality packages and individual game tickets –- can be exchanged for the 2021 season at no extra cost.
Season ticket holders who move their tickets to 2021 will receive a credit based on purchase price that can be used toward upgrades, additional group/hospitality packages, special event venue rentals, LifeShare WinterFest or ballpark experiences.
Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark will remain a hub of activity as permitted by city, state and federal health officials. The facility has already hosted a high school graduation ceremony, amateur baseball showcases and tournaments, and more are to come.
Tulsa Drillers not impacted by cancellation of 2020 Minor League season
“We are disappointed about today’s announcement, but we understand that these are unprecedented times for our country,” Drillers president Mike Melega said.
“We know that our fans are also disappointed about the loss of this season, but we are already making plans to come back even better in 2021. In the meantime, we are excited to offer live, high-quality baseball with our team in the Texas Collegiate Baseball League.
“We appreciate the great support and understanding that we have received from our season ticket members and sponsors. Without their support, these would be even more unsettling times for our franchise.”
The cancellation of the 2020 Minor League season came on the same day as the Drillers beginning play in the Texas Collegiate League (TCL). The TCL Drillers will play a 30-game schedule with 15 contests coming at at ONEOK Field in front of fans at a limited stadium capacity.
Rancho Cucamonga Quakes statement
“The health and safety of fans, players and staff has always been our top priority,” Quakes vice president and general manager Grant Riddle said. “Although we are saddened by the loss of the 2020 season, we fully support the decision reached by Minor League Baseball.
“We are looking forward to the 2021 season when we can once again open the gates to LoanMart Field and bring our community the fun and excitement of Quakes baseball.”
LoanMart Field may soon be utilized by the Dodgers as an alternate training site.
Great Lakes Loons statement
“We’re obviously disappointed to hear this news that we’ve been fearing would come since the coronavirus outbreak first impacted our daily lives back in March,” Loons president and general manager Brad Tammen said.
“Although we won’t have baseball at the ballpark this summer, we’re committed to Midland and the Great Lakes Bay Region. We will continue to work with our local partners to assist our region in recovering from the catastrophic flood and address the changing issues associated with the pandemic.
“We are upbeat about what the future has in store for the Loons, ESPN 100.9-FM, Dow Diamond and the Michigan Baseball Foundation. Our staff will be in touch with all corporate partners and ticket holders in the coming days and weeks regarding all purchases for the 2020 season.”
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