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Contingencies in place for Dawgs, WCBL season

Timelines established for 2020 season to get the go ahead
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Dawgs outfielder Jacob Melton dives back to first in the WCBL final in August 2019. (BRENT CALVER/Western Wheel)

Contingencies are in place for a number of scenarios governing summer collegiate baseball.

The Western Canadian Baseball League board of governors met on April 5 to establish a timeline for the spring with regards to the 2020 summer season amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

"For the full 2020 season to continue, the board established a date of May 2 for a final go ahead to occur," the WCBL stated in a press release. "There are also provisions for shortened seasons that would start either on or about Father’s Day (June 17) or on or about Canada Day. Similar dates exist three or four weeks prior for these shortened seasons for logistics to be put in place.

"The governors have also agreed that if by early June 2020 health and travel restrictions are still such that the league cannot confirm a start date that the season would be cancelled."

At present, the defending WCBL champion Okotoks Dawgs are scheduled to open the 2020 summer season on May 29 in Edmonton with the home opener at Seaman Stadium set for June 3 against the Lethbridge Bulls. The WCBL regular season runs into early August with the playoffs to follow.

"The Dawgs thank our fans and communities for their ongoing support and understanding and encourage all to follow the guidelines of Alberta Health Services and the government authorities," the Dawgs said in a media release. "Further updates on the status of the Dawgs 2020 season will be posted on the Dawgs website at www.dawgsbaseball.ca and via the Dawgs social media platforms."

The WCBL also noted the potential for issues with teams playing out of different towns, cities and provinces. The 12-team league boasts six teams in Alberta and six teams in Saskatchewan.

"The league also is aware of logistical differences between communities in the league. The logistics may result in a franchise or two having to make the difficult decision to accept an emergency leave of absence due to the COVID-19 pandemic situation. If a later start date is needed a shortened schedule will be finalized and released," the release stated.

"All decisions that the league makes will be in the best interest for players, coaches, staff, officials, and fans. While we are eager to bring baseball back to each community, we know we must do this only with government and health authority consent.

"We know baseball will return to the playing fields in the coming months and look forward to the games resuming. In the meantime, we once again thank you for your past, current, and future support for the WCBL and wish everyone the best during this unique and trying time."

The WCBL also announced it would be making a further update on April 20.

For more information go to dawgsbaseball.ca

For updated information, follow our COVID-19 special section for the latest local and national news on the coronavirus pandemic, as well as resources, FAQs and more.

 


Remy Greer

About the Author: Remy Greer

Remy Greer is the assistant editor and sports reporter for westernwheel.ca and the Western Wheel newspaper. For story tips contact [email protected]
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