Northwest Notes June 13, 2020

Northwest League postpones

start of 2020 season

The Northwest League made official Friday what was pretty much a foregone conclusion, postponing the start of its baseball season indefinitely.

Spokane, one of eight teams in the short-season class A league, was scheduled to open next Wednesday at home vs. Hillsboro.

The Northwest League released the following statement Friday:

“Due to the ongoing COVID-19 Pandemic, the start of the 2020 Northwest League season is being delayed indefinitely. The League and its clubs will continue to monitor the situation and work with our Major League Baseball affiliates, while following the recommendations of public health officials and adhering to local reopening guidelines. As always, the health and safety of the Northwest League fans, players and staff members is our top priority. Additionally, the Northwest League vs. Pioneer League All-Star Game (scheduled for Aug. 4 in Colorado Springs) has been canceled.”

The Spokane Indians then released the following statement:

“We understand and support the decision to postpone the start of the 2020 season announced by the Northwest League today. The health and safety of Indians fans, players, staff, and the Inland Northwest community has always been the top priority. Unfortunately, the Indians do not have any further information beyond what the Northwest League has announced at this time. Any additional updates on the 2020 season will be provided to fans and community members as they become available.”

Major league baseball has yet to decide if it will even play this season. And the amateur draft held earlier this week, which supplies many of the players for a team’s farm system, was gashed from 40 rounds to five this year.