Coronavirus Strikes Out 2020 Season For ThunderBolts, Slammers

SAUGET, IL — The Frontier League, which includes the Windy City ThunderBolts, Joliet Slammers and Schaumburg Boomers, has officially called off the season due the pandemic. The independent professional baseball league’s board of directors unanimously voted to suspend the entire 2020 season due to ongoing gathering and travel restrictions in many of the Frontier League’s locations.

“We all want to play,” Frontier League President Rich Sauget Sr. said in a written statement “However, with the continuing limitations on social gatherings in our markets plus travel restrictions impacting our Canadian teams we had to make the tough decision that without availability to play in many of our 14 ballparks that a 2020 championship season was no longer realistic.”

The season suspension allows individual teams to pursue baseball and other activities in their facilities as state and local restrictions allow. This season, the Frontier League had added five former CAN-AM teams to the league roster.

“We fully understand and respect the seriousness of the COVID-19 epidemic,” Frontier League Commissioner Bill Lee said. “With all the excitement surrounding the addition of five former Can-Am League teams for 2020 everybody was primed for our best season ever. That being said our league-wide focus now shifts to carrying this momentum into 2021.”

Windy City ThunderBolts GM Mike VerSchave issued a statement, saying no alternate 2020 games and events are planned.

“While we are saddened by the official announcement from the league regarding the fate of this year’s championship season, we absolutely agree with the decision and look forward to working hard for a fantastic 2021," VerSchave said. “We would like to thank all the individuals and organizations that support us; especially our fans, sponsors, host families and season ticket holders. While it will be a long off-season, we look forward to seeing you back at the ballpark next spring.”

State health & safety guidelines will permit Ozinga Field to be open for amateur baseball and we look forward to hosting these types of events this summer. Any amateur team (adult & youth) wishing to inquire about facility availability can call us at 708-489-2255 or email Mike VerSchave at mverschave@wcthunderbolts.com.