WCBL releases plans for potential season: Various possibilities hinge on restrictions lifting by June

By Medicine Hat News on April 6, 2020.

The Western Canadian Baseball League isn’t ruling out the season just yet.

The collegiate summer league tweeted out a statement from the board of governors Sunday evening detailing “a timeline which will guide our decisions this spring.”

The release states that in order for a full season to be held, there must be “a final go ahead” by May 2. There are also plans in place for potential shortened schedules, however it all hinges on travel and health restrictions being lifted by early June at the latest.

“There are … provisions for shortened schedules that would start either on or about Father’s Day or on or about Canada Day,” the release reads. “The governors have also agreed that if by early June 2020 health and travel are still such that the league cannot confirm a start date that the season would be cancelled.”

The WCBL features 12 teams across Alberta and Saskatchewan, including the Medicine Hat Mavericks, Brooks Bombers and Lethbridge Bulls.

The release goes on to state that some clubs may have to “make the difficult decision to accept an emergency leave of absence due to the COVID-19 pandemic” if their respective communities remain impacted by restrictions while others do not.

“All decisions that the league makes will be in the best interest for players, coaches, staff, officials and fans,” the release concludes. “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.”

The WCBL is expected to release another update on April 20.

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