Cape Cod Baseball League shuts down 2020 season
The Cape Cod Baseball League, widely considered the preeminent collegiate summer låeague in the nation, announced on Friday, April 24 that there will be no 2020 season due to the coronavirus pandemic.The non-profit organization made entirely from volunteers, responsible for producing roughly one in six Major League Baseball players currently, released the news after its executive committee voted unanimously to forgo the upcoming 44-game season.
“The decision was based on the health concerns and safety needs of all involved,” the league said in an issued press release. “Following CDC guidelines and medical recommendations, the league determined it would be impossible to guarantee the safety of players, coaches, umpires, host families, volunteers, and fans during this unprecedented health crisis.”The season was slated to begin on June 13 and the organization had previously held out hope that the season could be salvaged despite the collegiate spring season being called off.
According to former CCBL Commissioner Paul Galop, this is the first season interrupted season in nearly 75 years. He detailed in a blog post on the CCBL website what went into the difficult decision.
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“The primary concern was always safety for our beloved Cape Cod, players, coaches, batboys, host families, volunteers, merchants, sponsors, employers, suppliers, and residents,” Galop penned in his post. “The list of concerns was endless. But this priority was always of utmost importance. How would I know this? Because I was invited to attend and participate in these virtual meetings, and I did. I have never been more impressed or prouder of these incredibly loyal volunteers, and this dates back to 1980. Their dedication, research, camaraderie, passion, and sense of community was astounding.”
The Cape League is not only responsible for developing the stars of tomorrow on the diamond but also helps groom aspiring coaches, trainers, reporters, broadcasters, and scouts.