It is with great disappointment that the Macomb Amateur Baseball Federation (MABF) is officially canceling the 2020 baseball season and the sanctioning of any games for all age groups.

The safety of the players, coaches and community is our highest priority and we felt that canceling of the season is what would be best given the situation.  This decision was not made lightly, and all options were thoroughly vetted.  Ultimately, we did not see a path forward that would provide players with a fun and fulfilling baseball experience. 

Some of our findings and criteria used along the way:

• The uncertainty of the near and extended guidelines as put forth by the State of Michigan.

• The Michigan Governor’s decision to “Stay at Home” until June 12th.

• As of this writing, gatherings of 10 people within a controlled environment is a massive limitation.

• Hence, gatherings of 25 -- which does seem to be the next step -- would allow for only the players and one coach to participate (if each roster were limited to 12 players) for a total of 26. In addition, two umpires would be on the field and an average (on the low side) of about 30 fans in the stands (or sidelines). That means that each game would be attended by about a minimum of 56 people.

• If gatherings are extended to 100, it would still put a strain on the facilities with cloverleaf diamonds.  By our estimations, these locations would consist of about 220-plus participants, which would be way above the recommended limits.   

• Bathrooms, playscapes and picnic areas would make for a stressful situation even if these guidelines progress.

• The lack of fields that teams will be able to use, especially with all the school closures.

• Little League’s cancelation of Regional Tournaments and their long-running World Series.

• The closing of Cooperstown Dreams Park for the entire 2020 calendar year.

• The constant changing of guidelines put forth by the federal, state and local municipalities, as well as other sanctioning bodies.

• The lack of a responsible way to police, enforce and alter the many guidelines that will keep our youth and their families safe during a relatively unknown future.

• All the above, notwithstanding the closures of Disney World, Las Vegas casinos, the cruise ship industry, extremely limited air travel, and a halt in MLB, NBA, NHL and possibly NFL and college football schedules.

MABF has spent a tremendous amount of time evaluating this pandemic and how it will change our league in future years.  Be assured that we will be prepared for 2021 with a solid plan and not diving into an uncertain situation with a fly-by-night approach.


At this time, MABF will be refunding all teams' 2020 registration fees, minus the fees that were used to obtain and secure your team's Insurance that took effect January 1 and now runs through August 31, 2020.  We will also be returning all performance deposits that have been held in trust.  We will also supply each age group with contact information for those teams and organizations that may feel secure later in planning for some baseball activities.

Please remember your team’s insurance is only valid through August 31, 2020.

Also, please continue watching the MABF website for details concerning the 2021 season as they become available.

In closing, the loss or serious illness of even one individual because of the inability to enact a completely safe environment would be more than we could ever tolerate.

Please know that this decision was very tough, but was made with due diligence.

Thank you for understanding.  We’ll see you next season.
 
Best wishes... and Be Safe!

MABF BOD