Coronavirus Crisis Could See Many Minor League Teams Shut Down For Good | Forbes
Losing MiLB something sad to think about. Major League Baseball teams aim to gain revenue every year, but usually have money in the reserves to cover costs. Minor League Baseball is not quite the same. A full season cancelation could cause a lot of issues for MiLB teams. Without the revenue coming in from the 2020 season, they could close up, for good. Teams run a lot like a small business, but adding the caveat that they are also only a seasonal operation.
The bottom line is minor league baseball’s economic model is almost entirely dependent on fans attending games.
Minor League teams don’t have media and TV deals. Many of the teams are in small markets. They just don’t have the cashflow that Major League teams have. There were already discussions about how MiLB would be changing after the current contract with MLB expires after September. It’s sad to say, by the pandemic could complete what MLB was already wanting to do.
No matter what happens, and as sad as it may be, 2021 will look very different for MiLB.
There are aging veterans who were vying for a roster spot on a variety of teams. If the 2020 season doesn’t happen, could that mean they’re forced to retire? Will they get offered another a chance? One of those players who was still trying to make a team was Chris Iannetta. We all know him. We saw him start his career with the Rockies. We watched him return to Denver, and then get cut late last season. Iannetta was a non-roster invitee for the New York Yankees this year and was trying his best to make the team, or at least catch the attention of another team looking for a veteran catcher.
If the season doesn’t happen, players like the 36-year-old Iannetta may never see their name on another line-up card. They may not get the chance to play again. That too is very sad. These truly are unprecedented times.
Dahl steps up to encourage young readers | MLB.com
On a happier note, David Dahl did something small that will impact a class of kindergarten students, and their teacher. Check out the video of Dahl reminding the kiddos to eat their vegetables, stay active and to be excited about reading!
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Are you sad that the Purple Row Opening Day Breakfast is postponed until the season starts? While the breakfast is postponed, the panel is NOT! Do you have burning questions for Jenny Cavnar, Thomas Harding, Patrick Saunders or Jack Corrigan? Make sure you ask them before 3pm MDT today!
Even though the Purple Row Opening Day Breakfast is postponed until further notice, our panel is not! @SammieB_27 will be hosting a virtual panel with @jennycavnar @harding_at_mlb @psaundersdp and @jackcorrigan2!
— Purple Row (@PurpleRow) March 31, 2020
Are you joining us for the #PurpleRowSim games? This is just a reminder that due to the Rockies & AT&T SportsNet RM’s #StayAtHomeOpener we have moved the home opener simulation broadcast to 7pm MDT!
Purple Row's Rockies Opening Day simulation broadcast will air live Friday at 7 PM MT/9 PM ET!
— bkouchnerkavich (@bkouchnerkavich) April 2, 2020