They won’t be playing ball in Modesto or Stockton this summer.
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.
Locally, that will impact the Modesto Nuts team, which plays at Billy Hebert Field and the Stockton Ports, who play at Banner Island Ballpark. Modesto is the Class A-Advanced Affiliate of the Seattle Mariners and Stockton is the Class A-Advanced Affiliate of the Oakland Athletics.
“These are tough times and although it’s incredibly unfortunate that we won’t be playing any baseball in Modesto this year I can’t help but feel lucky to live and work in the Central Valley. Since mid-March when our offices shut down, we’ve stayed in close contact with our ticket holders and partners,” said Zach Brockman, Modesto Nuts General Manager. “Right from the very start those conversations have been overwhelmingly positive even in the face of a global pandemic that has caused hardship for many. Their resiliency and undying spirit has truly been an inspiration. We have the best fans in the world.”
Modesto Nuts Front Office representatives are currently in the process of communicating ticket polices. Every ticket holder and sponsor was to receive correspondences by Wednesday, July 8 at 5 p.m. PST.
Planning for the 2021 season will commence immediately after as the Modesto Nuts front office begins to build momentum for a return to action and a new normal. As it has been in years past, creating the most affordable family entertainment in the Central Valley will be the primary goal. The Modesto Nuts take this responsibility to the community very seriously. The staff will approach this process with great energy and anticipation and look forward to seeing everyone on Opening Day 2021.
For more information visit modestonuts.com or call 209-572-HITS (4487).
The loss of the California League season means this will be the first year since 1977 where there will be no professional baseball played in Stockton.
“We are disappointed by the news from MiLB that we will not be able to provide our fans and the Stockton community with quality baseball and family-friendly entertainment that they have come to expect at Banner Island Ballpark in 2020,” Ports President Pat Filippone said. “Our focus will now shift into providing support to the Stockton community during this unprecedented time and looking forward to preparing for the best season possible in 2021. Our thoughts will continue to remain with those affected by the pandemic and those working on the front lines. We would also like to sincerely thank all of our partners, ticket holders, fans, and the community for their continued support of the Stockton Ports.”
The Stockton Ports staff is directly contacting all fans who have purchased tickets, ticket plans, or group outings for the 2020 season, to provide additional information. The Stockton Ports will continue to remain focused on being a proud partner to the Stockton community. Banner Island Ballpark and the Ports’ front office will remain closed to the public. For the most updated information, visit Stocktonports.com or follow their social media channels.
“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.”
