SLO Blues baseball season canceled due to coronavirus
The San Luis Obispo Blues baseball team’s summer season has ended before it began.
The Blues announced Tuesday that is has canceled its entire 2020 season. Opening day had been scheduled for May 22.
“It is with profound sadness that we announce the cancellation of the 2020 SLO Blues Baseball season,” the team said in a Facebook post. “Due to the on-going COVID-19 epidemic, we cannot justify encouraging group gatherings and putting anyone at increased risk of contracting the virus.”
Season ticket holders will be contacted by a Blues representative to discuss their options, said Adam Stowe, the team’s general manager.
Ticket holders may rollover their purchases to the 2021 season, get refunds or donate to the team.
The Blues ruled out the possibility of postponing the season, Stowe said.
“We sincerely appreciate your support and will be back in 2021 for our 75th anniversary season,” the team announced.
SLO Blues team fields many players who go on to professional ball
The Blues fields many Division 1 college players from top programs in the country, including Cal Poly. The squad plays in the wooden-bat California Collegiate League and its games are held at Sinsheimer Park Baseball Stadium in San Luis Obispo.
Many of the team’s players go on to play professionally in the minor leagues. Blues alumni include former Major League Baseball players Casey Candaele , Brian Fuentes, Matt Garza, Brent Morel and Row Howell.
Current MLB players who played with the Blues include Ross Stripling (Los Angeles Dodgers), Kyle Hendricks (Chicago Cubs) and C.J. Cron (Detroit Tigers), according to the team’s website.
Stowe acknowledged the cancellation is a significant blow to the team’s finances, which will take years to fully recover.
But Stowe said he’s pleased to announce former Major League Baseball pitcher Ted Lilly, who had stints with the Cubs and Dodgers, has joined the team’s management group.
This story was originally published May 8, 2020 at 5:05 AM.
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