Vancouver Canadians won’t take field at Nat Bailey in 2020
Posted June 30, 2020 3:54 pm.
Last Updated June 30, 2020 4:04 pm.
VANCOUVER (NEWS 1130) — Minor league baseball will not be played at Nat Bailey Stadium this season.
Major League Baseball informed affiliated leagues and teams on Tuesday that it will not be providing them with players for the 2020 season due the challenges stemming from the COVID-19 pandemic.
“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,” Minor League Baseball president and CEO Pat O’Conner says in a release.
Far from a surprise but definitely sad news for C's fans. Few things better than minor league ball on a sunny afternoon. https://t.co/cudH7KnGsk
— Chris Wahl (@wahlsy) June 30, 2020
Minor League Baseball began as the National Association of Professional Baseball Leagues in 1901.
The cancellation marks the first time since 1977 that the Vancouver Canadians — the Class A short-season affiliate of the Toronto Blue Jays — will not play a season at Nat Bailey.
“Our only priority throughout this entire process has been the health and well-being of our fans, players, partners, and staff,” Vancouver Canadians president Andy Dunn says.
From everyone #AtTheNat we want to thank our fans and community for your continued support, as we look forward the 2021 season!
???? https://t.co/YY41bqUjDv pic.twitter.com/BesY3MC7eT
— Vancouver Canadians (@vancanadians) June 30, 2020
“We have been in constant contact with health and municipal authorities in addition to both MLB and MLIB throughout this process and remain positive and encouraged by what lies ahead for both the Canadians and the NWL as we now turn out sights toward the 2021 season.”
READ ALSO: Vancouver Canadians preparing for move to full baseball season
Dunn said previously the team could move up a level from the Northwest League to a full-season schedule next year, with as many as 70 home games instead of 38.
The Canadians last played a full season in 1999, when they won the Pacific Coast League AAA title.
Major League Baseball is set to start a 60-game season on July 23.
