MILB Postpones Start Of Season
ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. – Minor League Baseball (MiLB) issued the following statement today:
“In light of the current coronavirus outbreak, and after consultation with medical professionals and our partners at Major League Baseball, Minor League Baseball will delay the start of the 2020 Championship Season. We will continue to monitor the developments and will announce additional information about the 2020 season at a later date. We will work with Major League Baseball and our community partners to resume play as soon as it is safe to do so. The health and safety of Minor League Baseball fans, players and executives is our top priority, and our thoughts are with those around the world who have been affected by this outbreak.”
This includes the starts for Fort Wayne and South Bend in the Midwest League. The TinCaps were scheduled to open April 9 for a series at Bowling Green and at home April 13 versus Dayton. South Bend, the defending Midwest League champions, were set to open at home for a series April 9 Lake County.
In a statement from the Fort Wayne TinCaps Friday morning:
“Our highest priority is the health and safety of our community, guests, employees, and players/coaches. We fully support Minor League Baseball’s decision to delay the start of the season. Further details as to how this specifically impacts the Fort Wayne TinCaps and the Midwest League are unknown at this time. We will share specific details on the impact to our 2020 season as soon as they are determined.
Additionally, following orders from Indiana Governor Eric Holcomb and state health officials on limiting non-essential gatherings, Parkview Field will not hold any event with more than 250 people for the time being.
We will continue to consult with Minor League Baseball, health experts, and governmental leaders to determine the best course of action moving forward to provide a safe facility upon the resumption of games and large events at Parkview Field. We will also provide updated information on our plans for our regular season games at Parkview Field and any related refund or exchange policies as soon as those are determined.
We appreciate your patience and understanding through this unprecedented time. We send our best wishes to all those who’ve been affected by this pandemic.”