It is with great sadness that we announce the cancellation of our 2020 baseball season. This was not a decision that we wanted to make and has been the toughest decision we have faced as a Board but, unfortunately, we have to make this call due to circumstances beyond our control.
Our season was days away from getting started when all city permits were pulled and shortly thereafter the shelter in place order was given. I know our players, parents, and coaching staff were excited for a productive season. Most of all, I am sure most families were excited to cheer on their children and watch their progress on the baseball fields.
The big question you must be asking is what happened with your registration fees, and if the season is canceled, where that leaves you. Ninety percent (90%) of registration fees incurred are spent prior to the season starting. Those funds are spent on uniforms, league insurance, our league PONY registration fee, snack bar/field maintenance, waste management, bathroom rentals, baseballs for practices and games, merchandise, etc. That being said, the Board will continue to explore options available to the league that will make it possible to compensate those that paid for this season’s registration. Here are a few options that are being considered:
Option 1: All paid in full registration players would receive a voucher for an amount towards next season’s registration. (Amount to be determined once we research all options and any relief available to the league.)
Option 2: Decline "voucher" and donate back to NYB for a tax write-off for the upfront expenses incurred.
Option 3: Keep teams together that are not moving up a division to utilize uniforms that were already distributed.
I appreciate your continued support and understanding. This is not easy on any of us emotionally or financially, but we have to stay in this fight together. The league has been on an upward plane for the last couple of years and the Board will not let this hurdle keep us back. We need our baseball community and families to stay behind us and keep trusting the process. We will continue to update information on Facebook and our website so please keep an eye out.
I wish all the families well and hope you are all staying healthy and safe. Please reach out if you have any questions or concerns.