From The Tribune staff reports
BIRMINGHAM — Major League Baseball is set to return.
The MLB Players Association (MLBPA) recently agreed to a 60-game season, which will begin on July 23. Another version of “spring” training will open up on July 1.
“Major League Baseball is thrilled to announce that the 2020 season is on the horizon,” said commissioner Rob Manfred. “We have provided the Players Association with a schedule to play 60 games and are excited to provide our great fans with baseball again soon.”
The big boys appear to have a plan, at least for now, but where does that leave minor league teams, like the Birmingham Barons?
Unfortunately for the Barons and the rest of the Southern League, no direction has been given in terms of the 2020 season.
In a recent interview with ABC 33/40, Barons’ General Manager Jonathan Nelson said the MLB’s plan is a step in the right direction, but a 2020 season remains in question for his club.
“I think everything is on the table at this point,” Nelson said. “Being at the halfway point of where our season should have been, I think that is a realistic option. Obviously, we want to continue to be optimistic that there will be some semblance of a 2020 Barons season, but at the same time, there might not be. But, at the same time, we want to continue to proceed, and we are hopeful that there is going to be one. We are also optimistic and excited that we are able to create some fun events that I think will be able to satisfy the needs of this community.”
Regions Field began the “Babe Ruff’s Saturday Cinema Series” last Saturday, June 27 with a showing of Disney’s “Aladdin” on the park’s video scoreboard. Attendees can sit on the field or in the stands. Concessions are available.
General admission tickets can be purchased for $5, and reserved and VIP packages are available for order here: TICKETS.
The upcoming movie schedule goes as follows:
- “Toy Story 4” – Friday, July 3
- “Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone” – Saturday, July 18
- “Star Wars: The Last Jedi” – Saturday, July 18
- “Field of Dreams” – Saturday, Aug. 1
Show times are listed at 7 p.m. Social distancing guidelines will be in place.