It’s official: after weeks of speculation about partial seasons and games sans fans, MiLB President Pat O’Connor announced on June 30th that the affiliated leagues of MiLB will not play at all in 2020.

Independent leagues will likely follow suit. The Atlantic League had already scrapped official play for the year. As of this writing the Pecos League plans on a limited schedule to be played in Texas, but that may be doomed as well.

It’s possible that the pandemic will be looked upon as the final straw in the contentious negotiations between MLB and MiLB for renewal of their agreement in September of this year. It appears increasingly likely that MLB’s plans to contract leagues will come to pass, as several minor league clubs are in grave financial straits and may not survive this baseball-less summer. The pandemic could end up doing the contracting for MLB Commissioner Manfred.

It’s a sad day indeed. All the more reason to buy my book! Take a look at the “Collector’s Guide” page and take one home! A historical record of what minor league baseball looked like pre-Covid is what we all need right now.

-Tony Baseballs

A slew of cancellations has laid waste to the collections of minor league enthusiasts everywhere. As far as I can tell only one ASG ball was produced for 2020 before the world shut down. You can see the Bowling Green Hot Rods’ Midwest League ASG ball here. Enjoy it, it’s probably the only one you’re going to see this year. Of course I’ll keep you posted if any others show up.

Now you can own the only guide to collecting and identifying official minor league baseballs! Everything you need to know to enjoy this niche of the baseball memorabilia market is in one handy guide. From defunct leagues to modern leagues; from the affiliated Minor League system to the independent leagues, this book has it all!

• A comprehensive look at the clues needed to identify and date your baseball using the president’s stamp, the manufacturer, even the color of the ink and the placement and design of the stamping;
• Presidents’ tenures of all affiliated and independent minor leagues since 1902;
• A confirmed list of minor league commemorative baseballs, including All-Star Games, Championship Games, and post-season series;
• An in-depth look at unique designs.

Order your copy today!