ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — Minor League Baseball won't have a 2020 season because of the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, the league confirmed Tuesday night.
Baseball America reports, citing sources, said teams are now allowed to make their own announcements about future plans, in light of the formal decision being made public.
The decision affects several minor league teams who play in the Tampa Bay area, including the New York Yankees-affiliated Tampa Tarpons and the Philidelphia Phillies-affiliated Clearwater Threshers.
Tampa Bay Rays-affiliated teams from Port Charlotte to New York State also will see their seasons cut.
"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," said Minor League Baseball President and CEO Pat O'Conner. "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 Athletic said there has been thinking during the pandemic that there would be no Minor League Baseball this year.
While Major League Baseball has been working for months to figure out a season with its players -- and to determine appropriate safety precautions -- such resources are not available to minor league teams, the outlet reported.
Minor League Baseball, which began as the National Association of Professional Baseball Leagues, was founded back in 1901.
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