The Sugar Land Skeeters (a team normally in the Atlantic League) recently announced their intent to host a four-team league of their own in Texas.
Skeeters Intend to Host Four-Team Pro Baseball League at Constellation Field
(June 10, 2020, SUGAR LAND, TEXAS). – The Sugar Land Skeeters today announced their intent to host a four-team professional baseball league at Constellation Field, beginning July 3 and running through Aug. 23. Each team is set to play 28 games for a total of 56 games during the season, with all games being played at Constellation Field.
The teams will consist of former Major Leaguers and an assortment of professional players who’ve appeared at affiliated minor league levels as well as independent leagues.
“It’s imperative that we continue to serve our role in the community as a family-friendly entertainment venue and now more than ever we realize how important that role is,” said Skeeters Owner Kevin Zlotnik. “It’s also going to be critical that it’s a safe environment for our fans, staff and players and we’re working with Memorial Hermann and our local and state officials to ensure we provide that safe environment.”
Skeeters manager Pete Incaviglia and the father-son duo of Roger and Koby Clemens have committed to managing teams in the league, with the other two managers yet to be announced.
“I’m incredibly excited to be a part of this and I think the Zlotniks and the Skeeters organization are providing a great opportunity for these younger players to keep their skill sets sharp,” Clemens said.
The league and Constellation Field will be adhering to guidelines from the state of Texas as well as the CDC in regards to stadium capacity and social distancing. Players will be tested for COVID-19 at least once a week, as well as prior to their arrival in Sugar Land.
The Skeeters are currently compiling a pool of players that are set to be drafted by the managers of their respective team prior to their arrival. Announcements regarding the rosters for the teams are forthcoming.
“We’ve always prided ourselves on being an organization that gives players another chance,” Zlotnik said. “Given the unfortunate releases of hundreds of minor league players over the last few weeks, we realized there was a major need for a league like this. Already, we’ve received commitments from guys with great resumes, former Major Leaguers, former first-rounders and high-caliber prospects. I know people are going to be really impressed with the quality of play.”
There will be a total of seven games played at Constellation Field each week from the Opening Day on July 3 through the conclusion of the season on Aug. 23. The schedule is subject to change, but single games are anticipated to be played on Tuesday, Thursday and Friday, and doubleheaders will be played on Saturday and Sunday.
“This is something that is going to be really special and is going to serve as a huge boost to the baseball community by providing this opportunity for players,” Incaviglia said.
Tickets for the games are not yet on sale and an announcement will be made once they’re available for purchase.
For updates on the Skeeters, please visit sugarlandskeeters.com or follow the Skeeters on Facebook, Instagram (@sugarlandskeeters) and Twitter (@SL_Skeeters).
After that announcement, the Atlantic League put out a press release of their own today.
It does appear as though the decision on the 2020 season may come as early as next week. Lancaster Online reported that the general manager for the Lancaster Barnstormers (Lancaster, PA), Michael Reynolds, stated after the league meeting that the Atlantic League is working with state governments to decide on the fate of the upcoming season.
The AL will determine next week if there will be a 2020 season, Lancaster Barnstormers general manager Michael Reynolds said after Thursday’s meeting. That may depend on state governments.
Right now, the situation doesn’t look too great. There are two teams in Pennsylvania (Lancaster and York) where attendance for sporting events is currently capped at 250. The other teams in the league (High Point (N.C.) Rockers, Long Island Ducks, Somerset Patriots, and the Southern Maryland Blue Crabs) all have different state and local restrictions as well.
Indy Ball Island will continue monitoring the situation of the Atlantic League and give updates when available.
Indy Ball Island 