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Update from Texas League president Tim Purpura

Double-A circuit details news on COVID-19 outbreak in U.S.
March 17, 2020

NORTH RICHLAND HILLS, Texas - In response to the COVID-19 outbreak across the country and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and World Health Organization's (WHO) recent declarations, the start of the 2020 Minor League Baseball season, which includes the Double-A Texas League of Professional Baseball Clubs, has been delayed.

NORTH RICHLAND HILLS, Texas - In response to the COVID-19 outbreak across the country and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and World Health Organization's (WHO) recent declarations, the start of the 2020 Minor League Baseball season, which includes the Double-A Texas League of Professional Baseball Clubs, has been delayed.

On Sunday, the CDC urged a nationwide halt of any gatherings consisting of more than 50 people for the next eight weeks in response to the coronavirus pandemic. The 2020 season will not commence until public health experts and agencies have determined it is safe, and the players are physically ready to begin the season.
"The health and safety of our players, team employees, umpires, fans and community partners is always our highest priority, and we wholeheartedly support the decisions made by Major League Baseball and Minor League Baseball in accordance with the recommendations made by the CDC and WHO," Texas League President Tim Purpura said. "We will share additional information on the projected start of the Texas League season when it is prudent."
"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," Minor League Baseball President & CEO Pat O'Conner said. "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 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."
"MLB will keep fans updated on decisions regarding plans for the 2020 schedule in the days and weeks ahead," Major League Baseball Commissioner Rob Manfred said. "The clubs remain committed to playing as many games as possible when the season begins. We will continue to monitor ongoing events and undertake the precautions and best practices recommended by public health experts, and urge all baseball fans to follow suit. MLB extends its best wishes to all the individuals and communities who have been impacted by the coronavirus."
Fans with questions regarding individual Texas League clubs' policies regarding tickets and stadium information may visit the teams' official websites: Amarillo Sod PoodlesArkansas TravelersCorpus Christi HooksFrisco RoughRidersMidland RockhoundsNorthwest Arkansas NaturalsSpringfield Cardinals and Tulsa Drillers.
About the Texas League
Since its formation in 1888, the Texas League of Professional Baseball Clubs has stood out as one of the most historic and interesting of all Minor League Baseball. Headquartered in North Richland Hills, Texas, the league's current membership includes eight Double-A teams - Amarillo Sod Poodles (Padres), Arkansas Travelers (Mariners), Corpus Christi Hooks (Astros), Frisco RoughRiders (Rangers), Midland Rockhounds (A's), Northwest Arkansas Naturals (Royals), Springfield Cardinals (Cardinals) and Tulsa Drillers (Dodgers). For more information, visit www.texasleague.com and follow on Twitter at @TexasLeagueMiLB.