Black Bears GM Matthew Drayer, "We miss you fans"

Black Bears Fans,

While this outcome could’ve been anticipated for some time now, this is still a very difficult day for the Black Bears organization and our great fans! Today, minor league baseball throughout the country has been canceled due to the coronavirus pandemic.

For the first time since we opened the gates at out beautiful home at Monongalia County Ballpark, the Black Bears wil not be able to take the field.

Above all else, we hope that you and your family and friends continue to be healthy and safe as we all navigate life in this new world.

We also want you to know that we miss you! Not being able to cheer with you over a ninth-inning walk-off win or to see the smiles on so many young faces when they get a high-five from Cooper will no doubt make this a very difficult summer for us. We plan all off-season to provide our amazing fans with a fun, exciting ballpark experience at a great value. Having the season canceled before we ever got to hear ‘Play Ball’ even once is nothing short of a punch in the gut.

As an organization, one thing that has lifted us up during this time has been the conversations we’ve had with many of you over calls and emails. To hear how you’ve missed us too and that you remain committed to being a part of the Black Bears Baseball family has been overwhelming for us. For that, I thank you!

For fans who had already made financial commitments to spend part of their summer with us at the ballpark, we are in the process of reaching out directly to all of you to discuss the credit and refund options available. For more information as well as ways to reach out to us with ticket questions and concerns, please visit WestVirginiaBlackBears.com.

While just a few months ago the thought of not having a baseball season only existed in our worst nightmares, we will also use this as an opportunity to re-evaluate every aspect of our game day experience. Along with adhering to whatever new cleaning guidelines that will be in place in 2021, we look to come back better than ever next season… and we can’t wait until then to see our ballpark family once again.

Stay safe and well!

Sincerely,

Matt Drayer

General Manager, West Virginia Black Bears