2020 Season Updates

Statement by Minor League Baseball:

“In light of the current coronavirus outbreak, and after consultation with medical professionals and our partners at Major League Baseball, Minor League Baseball will delay the start of the 2020 Championship Season. We will continue to monitor the developments and will announce additional information about the 2020 season at a later date. We will work with Major League Baseball and our community partners to resume play as soon as it is safe to do so. The health and safety of Minor League Baseball fans, players and executives is our top priority, and our thoughts are with those around the world who have been affected by this outbreak.”

Statement by the Altoona Curve:

“To protect the safety of the public and our employees, we will not be accepting face-to-face interactions from the general public beginning on Friday, March 13. Our best course of action is to limit in-person interactions to create a secure environment for our employees. While we won’t be accepting visitors to the ballpark at this time, our staff will still be accessible via phone, email and messages on social media. We encourage our fans remain patient and adhere to all of the important guidelines established by the CDC and other public health organizations.”

From Minor League Baseball President & CEO Pat O'Conner:

Dear Minor League Baseball Fans,

As you may be aware, with the closure of Spring Training camps in Arizona and Florida in response to the coronavirus outbreak across the country, the Minor League Baseball season will not start on April 9 as planned.

With the health and well-being of the players, umpires, team employees and our fans in mind, we will continue to monitor the developments and follow guidelines set forth by public health agencies and our partners at Major League Baseball.

Once the public health experts and agencies have decided it is safe to begin the 2020 season, and the players are physically ready to begin the season, we will do so. But, for now, I ask all fans to follow the protocols set forth by public health officials, including the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the World Health Organization (WHO) and your local government authorities.

Please visit MiLB.com to stay connected with your local team. Questions about exchanging tickets, refunds and other general questions should be directed to your local team.

Your health and safety are the top priority right now and our thoughts are with those around the world who have been affected by this outbreak.

Sincerely,

Pat O’Conner
President & CEO
Minor League Baseball

The Pittsburgh Pirates and Altoona Curve announced on June 25 that Peoples Natural Gas Field will serve as the team's secondary training facility during the 2020 season. The regular season will begin with 30 players on the active MLB roster, with that total being cut to 28 after two weeks and 26 after four weeks of the season. Players who aren’t on the active roster will work out at PNG Field to remain in game shape.

From Altoona Curve general manager Derek Martin: “The Curve and Pirates have shared a remarkable relationship since 1999. Being chosen as the alternate training facility really reinforces the strength of that relationship. Being 90 miles from PNC Park, Altoona is a great location to allow the Pirates to get a player to Pittsburgh, or wherever they need to get to, quickly and safely.”

Statement by Pittsburgh Pirates general manager Ben Cherington: “The Pirates organization is appreciative of the long-standing relationship we have had for over two decades with the Altoona Curve. The people, proximity, along with the first-class facility, makes Peoples Natural Gas Field an ideal choice to safely host our alternate training site for the upcoming season.”

Minor League Baseball announced the cancellation of the 2020 season on Tuesday due to the impacts of COVID-19, resulting in no games for the Altoona Curve and it’s Eastern League opponents this year.

The decision was reached after Tuesday’s meeting involving MiLB’s board of trustees, which includes at least one representative from all 14 leagues. The primary concern after consultation with medical professionals and Major League Baseball officials is the safety of fans, players and staff members. Another contributing factor includes Major League Baseball and it’s 30 clubs will not provide players to affiliated teams as part of MLB’s return-to-play procedures.

From Altoona Curve general manager Derek Martin: “We are obviously very saddened by the news that the 2020 Minor League Baseball season is officially canceled. This pandemic has affected everyone and we wish we could provide a much-needed distraction this summer. However, the safety of our fans, employees and the players that take the field are much more important. Our organization couldn’t be more appreciative of the support and patience of our community while we navigated all the uncertainty of the past several months. Now that we have some answers, we will continue to be in communication with all of our ticket holders and sponsors to continue to discuss plans moving forward.”

From Minor League Baseball President President & CEO Pat O'Conner: “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. 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.”