While the Dragons were never on the contraction list (Midwest League teams Burlington and Clinton are) following 20 seasons of selling out every game as a Reds’ low-A affiliate, season No. 21 might have to wait until next spring.
»RELATED: Dragons well positioned as MLB ponders cuts to minor leagues
“I’m always going to be an optimist,” Dragons President Bob Murphy said as Ohio businesses began to re-open this week. “I don’t have the liberty to not plan for (this season). We can’t be surprised by anything.
“You never know. In the pandemic world, every day is like three. One week is 21 days. The information changes so quickly.”
While Murphy would not address his team’s financial situation – including if it had to lay off or furlough some of the about 40 full-time employees – he did say contingent plans had to be made not only for this season, but next.
»RELATED: Ballpark Digest honors Dragons’ Murphy
“We are waiting to hear what’s going on with major league baseball, minor league baseball, the Midwest League,” Murphy said. “It’s a very complex situation.
Credit: MARC PENDLETON / STAFF
Credit: MARC PENDLETON / STAFF
“You have different states in our league that are in different stages of recovery. We are right now weighing out contingency plan after contingency plan after contingency plan.
“We are going to need our fans to be patient and understanding during this time. We are going to work very closely with our corporate partners to make sure we have Dayton Dragons baseball in Dayton for many years.”
»RELATED: Former Red to manage Dragons
Midwest League President Richard Nussbaum said while he hopes to have all 16 of his teams in operation next summer, an exact number is up for speculation as well as the possibility some of the teams might operate without an affiliation.
As for this season, “our clubs are planning for all contingencies,” Nussbaum said. “If we do play games, we’ll be ready.”
About the Author