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Kannapolis Cannon Ballers

Cannon Ballers Share Disappointment on Postponed Inaugural Season

June 30, 2020 - South Atlantic League (SAL1)
Kannapolis Cannon Ballers News Release


(KANNAPOLIS, NC) - Minor League Baseball has been advised today that Major League Baseball has decided not to provide players to their Minor League affiliates to enable a shortened 2020 season. As a result, there will be no Minor League Baseball this year.

"This is a very disappointing development, but one that we have been preparing for since the COVID numbers have increased in our state over the last few weeks," said Kannapolis Cannon Ballers General Manager Matt Millward.

"While we won't have Minor League players this season, we are determined to host baseball games in Kannapolis at Atrium Health Ballpark this year consistent with health and safety guidance," said team owner Andy Sandler. The team has been in talks with officials of local player leagues at all levels of play to offer them the opportunity to be among the first to play at the brand-new Atrium Health Ballpark. As soon as the team gets the green light from State and City officials that it is safe to host games and events in the Ballpark, they will announce plans for games and events the public can enjoy.

Sandler continued, "We will follow government guidance on when we can have fans attend games and what precautions we should take such as social distancing and masks. We know watching live baseball is an important part of a return to normal life in our community."

More information on what the Kannapolis Cannon Ballers front office has organized will be forthcoming and will follow North Carolina state guidelines and local government expectations. In the meantime, the team and city have been very pleased to open the gates to the public to use Atrium Health Ballpark as a city park and walking facility.

"While it is very disappointing to not have the Cannon Ballers play this season, the health of our fans is our top priority. From the beginning we wanted the ballpark to be a 'public park' and used every day. We are glad people are out enjoying it. Seeing so many people using the stadium to walk around, safely meet up with friends, and even grab an affordable sandwich has been gratifying. It's not exactly what we envisioned but the result - an active, thriving downtown - is the same. We look forward to having smaller scale activities this year and we cannot wait for the Cannon Ballers 2021 season," said Mayor Darrell Hinnant.

Atrium Health Ballpark is open daily for the public to use from 7:30 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. The team serves fresh food from 12-7 p.m. daily from the concession stand on the third base concourse, and offers an expanded menu and drink service on Thursday & Friday starting at 4:00 p.m., and Saturday & Sunday starting at 12:00 p.m.

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