The Intercounty Baseball League is still hopeful of playing some kind of modified season, but even if it does it won’t include all eight teams.
The Guelph Royals and the rest of the league were preparing to kick off the league’s 102nd season the first week of May. That obviously won’t happen.
Teams play a 36-game schedule from May to September.
On Wednesday the league issued a statement saying a modified season of some kind could happen if and when it’s safe.
“After a century of continuous operation, the IBL and all its teams are resigned to the fact that a traditional IBL season in 2020 is not possible,” said the statement on the league’s web site.
“The IBL is still hopeful that the pandemic will be brought under control in the coming months and that some sort of modified IBL season is possible. What that season might look like is pure conjecture at this point.”
“We also know that some teams have already made the tough decision that they will not be playing this year.”
Guelph Royals owner Shawn Fuller said if a shortened season is possible, the Royals will play.
“Yes we will,” Fuller said.
“I know the situation will be different for every team but if the Royals can play — even a shortened or modified season — we’ll do it.
“I think we’ll need a lot of things to improve before getting permission to play but we are hopeful for some kind of baseball in 2020.”
Reports say Barrie, Kitchener and Brantford have already decided not to play this season, even if a modified schedule is announced.
Running a team is expensive and if the revenue and sponsorship isn’t there, it could be financially crippling for a franchise’s future.
The City of Guelph has already announced that all of its facilities, including Hastings Stadium, will be closed for use until at least July 5.
