Minor League Baseball season canceled
There will be no Minor League Baseball in 2020 due to the coronavirus pandemic, the league announced Tuesday afternoon.
This will be the first time since 1901 that there will be a summer without minor-league baseball.
“These are unprecedented times for our country and our organization as this is the first time in our history that we’ve had summer without Minor League Baseball played,” Minor League Baseball President and CEO Pat O’Conner said in a statement.
The cancelation of the season does not come as a surprise, but it does bring on significant financial troubles for small towns. This especially is true for Class-A or High-A teams like the Phillies’ Class-A team, Williamsport Crosscutters. This summer will mark the first since 1993 there is no minor-league baseball in Williamsport.
“It’s with great disappointment and sadness to announce the IronPigs 2020 season has been canceled. Earlier today Major League Baseball made what was certainly a difficult and painful decision to cancel the season due to COVID-19,” Lehigh Valley IronPigs President and General Manager Kurt Landes said in a statement.
“Although frustrating, we know this is the right decision. On behalf of the entire IronPigs organization, I promise that when the 2021 season arrives, it will be our best ever. We’ll honor heroes, recognize essential workers and heal together – all while taking in our national pastime.”
According to the Philadelphia Inquirer’s Matt Breen, the Phillies plan to continue to pay their minor-league players $400 a week through September 7.
The Phillies are set to hold their first workout of spring training II on Friday at Citizens Bank Park.
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