No Griffon baseball as MINK League shelves 2020 season

Friday, May 29, 2020

After pushing the season back multiple times over the past month due to the global pandemic, the MINK League announced on Wednesday the cancellation of the 2020 campaign.

"Under the recommendation of MINK League Commissioner Ron Rodriguez, the league has elected to cancel the 2020 season," a MINK League press release read. "This decision was made due to the ongoing nationwide COVID-19 pandemic and the many uncertainties that still remain. The league prioritizes player, staff, and guest safety above all other factors."

Added Rodriguez: "It is with great disappointment that the MINK League has determined that we cannot play this season. We join the many other leagues across the United States that have been affected by the COVID-19 virus and the fallout from it. But we must have the safety of our communities, host families, players, coaches, staff and officials as our main concern. Our communities are a vital part of the MINK League and we enjoy and appreciate their support. We made every effort to play this season and delayed the decision to make the most educated decision possible.”

The league office had previously looked at contingency plans, which included pushing back the start-date by two weeks to June 15. After that didn't come to fruition, they then targeted a July 1 start-date, before ultimately conceding the season.

“The summer tradition that is MINK League Baseball is something we hold very special. 2021 is going to be a very special season, a celebration. We want to thank all of the health care and frontline workers that have worked to keep us safe, and our thoughts are with those affected. We wish everyone to be safe and well,” noted MINK League President Ky Turner via the press release.

The Griffon board of directors also announced separately that they had chosen to cancel their season. Prior to the Griffons announcement, two other MINK League clubs had announced their plans earlier this month to not return to the diamond this summer.

"After much discussion and careful consideration, the Nevada Griffons Board of Directors voted unanimously at their May meeting to cancel their 2020 season," the release noted. "The board acknowledges that this was a very difficult decision, but one that had to be made out of an abundance of caution and concern for the safety of our fans, host families, players and coaches. The Griffons have been a part of the Nevada community for over 35 years now, and that commitment is what guided the board to make this decision."

The Griffons brain-trust did not see a way forward, citing a major concern in regard to host families, as well as the safety of all involved.

"We cannot ask host families to accept players into their homes in these uncertain times," the release explained. "We cannot risk the safety of our fans and volunteers at games and large gatherings. We cannot promise the families of our players that we can keep them safe and healthy, considering the close interactions that take place during games."

As a non-profit operation, sponsorship was also a major factor in the decision.

"Additionally, we cannot ask the businesses of Nevada who have been so loyal to us throughout the years to provide sponsorships and financial support at a time when many of them are suffering economically," read the Griffons' release. "It is appropriate that we return that loyalty now by supporting them. We’ll be back and ready to go as a part of the M.I.N.K. League in 2021. We look forward to seeing all our fans back at Lyons Stadium at that time, rooting us on and enjoying the best in summer collegiate baseball."

Note The MINK League is composed of nine teams: Chillicothe Mudcats, Clarinda A's, Clinton Creatures, Des Moines (Iowa) Peak Prospects, Jefferson City Renegades, Joplin Outlaws, Nevada Griffons, Sedalia Bombers, and the St. Joseph Mustangs.

Teams will convene in the fall to plan the 2021 schedule.

The Griffons concluded the 2019 season 12-27 overall. Nevada was set to enter the 2020 campaign under new leadership, with the hiring of head coach, and former MLB pitcher — Jason Jacome.

Respond to this story

Posting a comment requires free registration: