The Nashville Sounds are speaking out after Minor League Baseball has officially canceled its 2020 season, due to COVID-19. The Nashville Sounds had hoped to find a way to still play, in spite of the coronavirus pandemic, and are understandably disappointed by the news, but hint there may still be a way for the team members to play.
“We are extremely disappointed to not be able to bring Minor League Baseball to our fan base in Middle Tennessee in 2020,” Nashville Sounds General Manager Adam Nuse said in a statement posted on the team’s website. “While we will not have our traditional Minor League Baseball season this year, we’re continuing to finalize details for the 2020 Nashville Sounds Alternate Season and hope to share those plans as soon as possible.”
The season’s cancellation marks the first time Music City has not had professional baseball since 1977.
“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,” said MiLB President & CEO Pat O’Conner. “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.”
Earlier, the Nashville Sounds hinted that they still hoped to perform an abbreviated season, with games starting in early July, and only 82 games in the season, instead of the usual 140. When they made that announcement, Nashville was still in the beginning stages of reopening, and the entire team was hopeful that the four phases in the reopening plan would coincide with their ability to play.
“We’re just trying to figure out, if all the stars could align, when can we have actual games at the ballpark,” Adam previously told News Channel 5.. “Our hope is if this July 4th works for MLB, it fits really well with Mayor Cooper’s four phases that he put together, that by that point July 4th could be a reality.”
Details for the Alternate Season have yet to be finalized. Season ticket holders have several options, including using a portion of their 2020 season ticket account credit for the Alternate Season, renewing season tickets for the 2021 season, or receiving a refund. Find detailed information on the Nashville Sounds website.