Independent pro ball close to getting back on the field

The independent Atlantic League’s Sugar Land Skeeters (shown in action here) recently announced plans for a temporary four-team league that will play out of their home park from July 3 to August 23. Photo: Sugar Land Skeeters

June 13, 2020

By Devon Teeple

The GM’s Perspective

While we sit back and wait for Major League Baseball and the players to come to an agreement, Independent baseball is looking to move forward with their seasons.

The Atlantic League has recently announced that they are still looking at options for the 2020 season. According to league President, Rick White each club is working with state and local officials to protect everyone involved from players to personnel.

Alternatively, the Sugar Land Skeeters plan to host a four-team league at their home field (Constellation Field) from July 3 and concluding on August 23.

If at some point the Atlantic League begins their season, this four-team league shuts down, but in the meantime, the teams will have a roster with ex-major leaguers and a variety of other players with minor league experience and Indy league experience.

“The league and Constellation Field will be adhering to guidelines from the state of Texas as well as the CDC in regards to stadium capacity and social distancing. Players will be tested for COVID-19 at least once a week, as well as prior to their arrival in Sugar Land.”

The American Association let it be known that they will begin a six team, 60-game season on July 3 with the full schedule coming out June 15.

“Teams participating in the 2020 season were based on cities allowing for fans in attendance at stadiums, geography, and the COVID-19 restrictions that persist in certain American Association cities.”

This is great news indeed. Hopefully everything goes according to plan and the next thing we hear is the crack of the bat!