Wind Surge’s debut shelved for year as Minor League Baseball calls off 2020 season
This was supposed to be a glorious summer of baseball at the new Riverfront Stadium. But on Tuesday, the Wind Surge’s inaugural season at the downtown stadium ended before it had a chance to begin.
The Washington Post, The Athletic and other outlets reported mid-afternoon what had come to seem inevitable: Minor League Baseball’s 2020 season has been called off due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Minor League Baseball made it official a short time later.
“These are unprecedented times for our country and our organization as this is the first time in our history that we’ve had a summer without Minor League Baseball played,” Pat O’Conner, president and CEO of MiLB, said in a news release. “While this is a sad day for many, this announcement removes the uncertainty surrounding the 2020 season and allows our teams to begin planning for an exciting 20201 season of affordable family entertainment.”
With Major League Baseball concerned about getting its own shortened season started — big-league clubs were convening for “Sprint Training 2.0” in Kansas City and the other 29 MLB markets — Minor League Baseball took a back seat. In the end, MLB couldn’t provide its minor-league affiliates with players for a 2020 season because it knew might need some of them to fill out major-league rosters, should some current big-leaguers contract the coronavirus.
The Wind Surge, the Triple-A affiliate of the Miami Marlins, are one of three MiLB teams to build new ballparks only to learn they cannot host baseball games this summer; the Fredricksburg Nationals and Kannapolis Cannon Ballers are the others.
Interest, at least in Wichita, certainly hasn’t been a problem. Tickets for the Wind Surge’s home opener sold out in 44 minutes. Wichitans are eager for the return of MLB-affiliated baseball, highlighted by a $75 million stadium project that’s already considered one of the best in the minor leagues.
Surge Owner Lou Schwechheimer thanked Wichita for its support, he said in a release.
“While we are disappointed with today’s announcement, during the COVID-19 pandemic, our primary concern has been and remains the health, safety and well-being of the fans and families entrusted to our care,” he said in the relase. “As we navigate these challenging times together, please know that Wichita Wind Surge Baseball has been delayed ... not denied.”
In April, Schwechheimer said tickets purchased for the team’s April 14 home opener would be honored when baseball returned, along with a trade option for tickets on any other day.
The team, stadium and surrounding area is projected to bring in more than $38 million over the next 22 years to help pay for Riverfront Stadium. The 2020 cancellation will affect that equation.
Although baseball won’t return to Wichita in 2020, city manager Bob Layton and Schwechheimer said in April that other types of events could take place at Riverfront Stadium to bring in some much-needed revenue.
“No matter what happens in the near term, we signed an agreement to be here for 30 years,” Schwechheimer said then. “Although the coronavirus was a tough time, these next three decades are going to be magical.”
Wichita Wind Surge timeline:
Nov. 7, 2017: Mayor hints at return of affiliated baseball to Wichita
Sept. 6, 2018: New Orleans Baby Cakes plan move to Wichita
Oct. 10, 2018: Lawrence-Dumont Stadium to be replaced
April 11, 2019: Ceremonial home plate placed in new ballpark
Aug. 8, 2019: Team starts marketing campaign with different names
Nov. 13, 2019: Wind Surge announced as team name, uniforms modeled
March 6, 2020: Eagle announces ballpark named Riverfront Stadium
March 12, 2020: COVID-19 forces delay to opening day
June 30, 2020: Minor League Baseball season officially canceled
This story was originally published June 30, 2020 at 4:03 PM.