It’s official: State College Spikes won’t have a season in 2020

Another summertime staple in State College has been erased from the calendar. The Spikes’ season, which was delayed from its June 18 start due to COVID-19, was officially canceled Tuesday.

Minor League Baseball President and CEO Pat O’Conner announced in a statement that there will not be a 2020 minor league season because the major league teams will not provide players to their affiliates. “While this is a sad day for many, this announcement removes the uncertainty surrounding the 2020 season and allows” them to look ahead to 2021, O’Conner said.

The Spikes posted on Facebook that they were disappointed by the cancellation of what was to be their 15th season.

“We work throughout the year in anticipation of sharing summer nights together, making memories with friends old and new. We miss the smiles, shared experiences and all-inclusive sense of community the Spikes and Minor League Baseball stand for.”

Tuesday’s announcement comes a day before major league teams report to training camp to prepare for a 60-game season.

Fritz Smith, president and CEO of The Happy Valley Adventure Bureau, also expressed his disappointment at the loss of the season. While saying the announcement was “somewhat expected,” he added that the loss will be “felt on multiple levels.”

“On a positive note, we do anticipate some fun, affordable family events at the ballpark this summer in lieu of baseball, starting with the fireworks viewing opportunity this weekend,” he said. “We applaud the manner in which the State College Spikes and many of our attractions and events have developed creative alternatives in this challenging year. Moving forward, our focus will be working together with our friends in the organization and the community to help make sure that Spikes baseball returns better than ever in 2021.”

The Spikes will open the Medlar Field at Lubrano Park gates at 7:30 p.m. July 4 for fans to watch the Central PA 4th Fest fireworks display. Visitors are asked to bring nonperishable items to donate to the 4th Fest food drive, and young fans will be able to run the bases.

This story was originally published June 30, 2020 at 5:10 PM.