GWINNETT COUNTY, Ga. — The Gwinnett Stripers and Rome Braves will have to hang up their hats for this baseball season. Minor League Baseball announced it was canceling the 2020 season.
“Major League Baseball has informed Minor League Baseball that it will not be providing its affiliated minor league teams with players for the 2020 season. As a result, there will not be a Minor League Baseball season in 2020,” the organization said in a statement Tuesday.
“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 Gwinnett Stripers said their season has been in a state of postponement since April 9 over the COVID-19 pandemic. That season officially came to an end Tuesday.
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“It’s obviously disappointing that we aren’t able to play a season this year at CoolRay Field, but the health and safety of our fans, players, and staff is the number one priority of our organization,” said Stripers Vice President and General Manager Adam English. “While we may not have a Stripers season, we are still proud to host the return of baseball to Gwinnett with the Braves’ Taxi Squad team, and to continue to work toward 2021.”
“The (Atlanta) Braves also announced today that they would be sending their “Taxi Squad” players to Coolray Field in Gwinnett County to practice. The Taxi Squad will be a group of roughly 30 players on the Braves’ expanded roster who can contribute to the major league club if injuries or other situations arise where a player would need to be called up. It would also allow the team to play their top prospects, so they do not lose valuable developmental time,” the Stripers said in a news release.
CoolRay field will remain closed to the public.
Fans with questions about refunds, exchanges, or rolling their balance to the 2021 season can contact the Stripers at striperstickets@braves.com or by calling 678-277-0300.
Minor League Baseball’s announcement applies to all levels, including the Class-A Rome Braves.
“The Rome Braves thoughts & prayers remain with those around the world who have been affected by this pandemic,” the team tweeted. “The Braves thank its fans for their patience during these unprecedented times & look forward to offering more baseball entertainment when it is safe to do so.”
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