Sports
IronBirds Cancel 2020 Season After Minor League Baseball Decision
Baseball is canceled for 2020 in Aberdeen and elsewhere, officials have decided.
![The IronBirds say the team will provide details about the 2021 season in the days and weeks ahead.](https://patch.com/img/cdn20/shutterstock/57041/20200630/071811/styles/patch_image/public/shutterstock-145679393___30191514202.jpg)
ABERDEEN, MD — The Aberdeen IronBirds will have to sit out the 2020 season along with every other team after an announcement Tuesday from Minor League Baseball. Professional baseball will not be played this year for all professional baseball teams in the United States, Canada and the Dominican Republic affiliated with Major League Baseball clubs through their farm systems.
"In light of this announcement from Minor League Baseball and Major League Baseball, the Aberdeen IronBirds would like to thank fans and sponsors for their patience during these difficult times," the Aberdeen IronBirds said in a statement.
"When the time comes to welcome fans back to Leidos Field at Ripken Stadium, we will be here to help make memories again," the IronBirds said.
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In the meantime, the IronBirds have partnered with sponsors and the city of Aberdeen to host a drive-in fireworks display at Leidos Field outside Ripken Stadium on Saturday, July 4.
Officials say more information is forthcoming about the 2021 IronBirds season in the "coming days and weeks."
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Minor League Baseball president/CEO Pat O'Conner said canceling the 2020 season would give teams more time to plan for a special 2021.
"While this is a sad day for many, this announcement removes the uncertainty surrounding the 2020 season and allows our teams to begin planning for an exciting 2021 season of affordable family entertainment," O'Conner said in a statement Tuesday. "These are unprecedented times for our country and our organization as this is the first time in our history that we've had a summer without Minor League Baseball played."
IronBirds fans who have questions may call the IronBirds from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday at 410-297-9292 or by email at [email protected].
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This article includes reporting from Patch editor Tim Jensen.
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