Thursday, April 30, 2020

Hall of Fame Inductions of Derek Jeter, Others Off Until '21

New York Yankees Hall of Famer Derek Jeter grits his teeth while running toward third


The Baseball Hall of Fame has postponed the July induction ceremony of 2020 class until next year amid the global coronavirus pandemic.
New York Yankees legendary shortstop Derek Jeter, along with outfielder Larry Walker, catcher Ted Simmons, and executive Marvin Miller, have been voted to be the next class of Hall of Famers, but their ceremony will have to wait until next July, the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum Board of Directors voted unanimously.
The "Induction Weekend is a celebration of our National Pastime and its greatest legends, and while we are disappointed to cancel this incredibly special event, the Board of Directors' overriding concern is the health and well-being of our new inductees, our Hall of Fame members, our wonderful fans," and the hundreds of staff it takes to present the weekend's events in all of its many facets," Hall of Fame chairwoman Jane Forbes Clark said in a statement to MLB.com. "We care deeply about every single person who visits Cooperstown."
Cooperstown is the cradle of baseball in upstate New York, which is the hardest hit state in the United States and one of the world epicenters for the COVID-19 pandemic.
Jeter and company will now share the stage July 25, 2021 with next year's class, according to the report.
"Being inducted into the Hall of Fame will be an incredible honor, but the health and safety of everyone involved are paramount," Jeter told MLB.com in a statement. "I respect and support the decision to postpone this year's enshrinement and am looking forward to joining current Hall of Famers, fans, staff and my family and friends in Cooperstown in 2021."
Lesser known slugger Larry Walker, who hails from Canada and played most of his career with the Colorado Rockies, shares Jeter's willingness to wait another summer.
"I fully understand and agree with the Board"s decision," Walker told MLB.com "It is most important to do the right thing for everybody involved, and that means not putting any participants in jeopardy, whether Hall of Famers or visitors. I realize how serious this situation has become and how many lives have been lost."

NO DECISION YET FROM MINOR LEAGUE BASEBALL

Minor League Baseball Statement St. Petersburg, FL, April 29, 2020 — Minor League Baseball™ (MiLB™) today issued the following statement regarding reports that the 2020 season has been canceled due to the coronavirus: “The report circulating tonight that the 2020 Minor League Baseball season has been canceled is false. Minor League Baseball has confirmed with Major League Baseball that no such statement was made. No decision has been made as to when it will be safe to begin the 2020 season.” ### About Minor League Baseball Minor League Baseball is the governing body for all professional baseball teams in the United States, Canada, and the Dominican Republic that are affiliated with Major League Baseball® clubs through their farm systems. In 2019, Minor League Baseball attracted over 41.5 million fans to its ballparks to see baseball’s future stars and experience affordable family-friendly entertainment that has been a staple of Minor League Baseball since 1901. For more information, visit www.MiLB.com. Follow Minor League Baseball on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.
TWO NEW EVENTS HIGHLIGHT REVISED SYMETRA TOUR SCHEDULE
 
DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. – The Symetra Tour released a revised 2020 schedule today, which includes two new tournaments and a five-week extension to the season with competition running into November. A total of 16 tournaments are featured on the revamped “Road to the LPGA” slate, compared to 20 on the original calendar.

“First and foremost, we are grateful to our tournament partners and venues for supporting our athletes as we work to preserve as many playing opportunities as possible,” said Mike Nichols, the Chief Business Officer of the Symetra Tour. “We’re also excited to welcome two new events to the Symetra Tour family at first-class golf courses we know will challenge our members once it is safe to return to competition.”

Longbow Golf Club in Mesa, Ariz., and the Jack Nicklaus-designed Pinehurst No. 9 in Pinehurst, N.C. are set to host the two new tournaments on Aug. 27-29 and Oct. 28-31, respectively. It will be the first time a Symetra Tour event is contested at Pinehurst Resort and marks the penultimate stop of the season. Meanwhile, Longbow Golf Club previously hosted the Gateway Classic from 2013-2015 and in 2017. The 2015 event was particularly noteworthy as Hannah O’Sullivan became the youngest winner in Symetra Tour history (16 years, 9 months, 11 days) and remains the most recent amateur to capture a Symetra Tour title.

The most updated restart to the 2020 Symetra Tour season is July 8-10 in Maineville, Ohio for the Prasco Charity Championship, postponed two weeks from its initial dates. The Island Resort Championship at Sweetgrass Golf Club in Harris, Mich., has also been postponed from its original June 19-21 slot with the hope of rescheduling to an early fall time frame.

Finally, the season-ending Symetra Tour Championship will now be played Nov. 3-6 in Davidson, N.C., at River Run Country Club. The finale was originally scheduled for Oct. 1-4 on the Jones Course of LPGA International in Daytona Beach, Fla., a timeslot and location now held by the Symetra Classic. In total, six tournaments have been rescheduled for the 2020 season.

ABOUT THE SYMETRA TOUR
The Symetra Tour is the official qualifying tour of the LPGA Tour and enters its 40th competitive season in 2020. With the support of its entitlement partner Symetra, the Tour’s mission is to prepare the world’s best young women professional golfers for a successful career on the LPGA Tour. Since Symetra’s inaugural sponsorship year in 2012, the Symetra Tour has grown from 16 tournaments and $1.7 million in prize money to a record $4.0 million in prize money awarded in 2019. With more than 600 alumnae moving on to the LPGA, former Symetra Tour players have won a total of 445 LPGA titles. Follow the Symetra Tour on the web at www.SymetraTour.comas well as Facebook.com/Road2LPGA, Twitter.com/Road2LPGA and Instagram @road2lpga.

ABOUT SYMETRA 
Symetra Life Insurance Company is a subsidiary of Symetra Financial Corporation, a diversified financial services company based in Bellevue, Washington. In business since 1957, Symetra provides employee benefits, annuities and life insurance through a national network of benefit consultants, financial institutions and independent agents and advisors. Symetra began its partnership with the Road to the LPGA in 2010 as the title sponsor of the Symetra Classic. It secured naming rights for the Symetra Tour in November 2011. In addition to its title sponsorship of the Tour, which runs through 2021, Symetra sponsors two events on the tournament schedule—the Symetra Classic and the season-ending Symetra Tour Championship. For more information about Symetra, visit www.symetra.com.

Tuesday, April 28, 2020


Syracuse Mets Helping to Raise Money for the Food Bank of Central New York
as part of Minor League Baseball’s CommUNITY First Campaign
Mets join Minor League Baseball and Feeding America in initiative to help local food banks

SYRACUSE, NY – The Syracuse Mets are helping to raise money for the Food Bank of Central New York. Minor League Baseball announced on Tuesday the launch of a new initiative with Feeding America to raise funds for local food banks and to honor individuals risking their lives on the front lines of the COVID-19 pandemic. The Syracuse Mets along with many other Minor League teams are participating in this CommUNITY First initiative. The campaign begins on Tuesday, April 28th and goes until Sunday, May 31st. Money raised by the Syracuse Mets will support the Food Bank of Central New York.

To donate, fans can visit MiLB.com/CommUNITYFirst and select the Syracuse Mets as the community they want to support. Fans can also support other MiLB communities. For every $10 donated, the MiLB team in the selected community will donate one ticket to a home game this season or in 2021 to a local hero of the pandemic.

“When the Minor Leagues come together and unify our respective communities, we become a strong force able to do a lot of good,” said Syracuse Mets General Manager Jason Smorol. “I love that the money raised will stay in each of our communities and that together, across the Minor Leagues of Professional Baseball, we will be able to feed a lot of people through the local food banks.  I hope our fans are able to participate.”

Here is how the process works:
  1. Visit MiLB.com/CommUNITYFirst from now until May 31st
  2. Select the Syracuse Mets from the drop-down menu of participating teams
  3. Select the amount of money you want to donate ($10 minimum)
  4. Your payment is processed, and you will receive a thank you confirmation email
  5. Donations for the Syracuse community will be allocated to the Food Bank of Central New York
  6. Final donation totals and the number of tickets expected to be donated to local heroes will be shared the first week of June

RailRiders go virtual while waiting for 2020 season to begin
Scranton/Wilkes-Barre joins nine other International League clubs in online season

MOOSIC, PA (April 28, 2020) – As teams across the country await the start of the 2020 season, clubs from the International League have banded together to form an online competition on PS4 using MLB The Show20. Play begins this week with 10 teams participating and the RailRiders eIL season begins tonight against the Buffalo Bisons at 7 PM.

Each team will play one series a week; one game each as themselves against the computer version of their respective opponent, and one game man vs. man using their Major League affiliate against the representative of their opponent. Teams can broadcast their games on their own streaming site of choice. The RailRiders can be found on Twitch.tv with the tag SWBRAILRIDERS.

The remaining eOpening Week features Charlotte battling Norfolk, Lehigh Valley against Louisville, Syracuse taking on Pawtucket and Durham against Rochester.

Scranton/Wilkes-Barre’s games will be played by Michael Harvey, the team’s Director of Group Sales. Michael is an avid gamer and plays Rocket League at an expert level, but is planning on providing top tier competition on the RailRiders behalf.

Standings will be kept throughout this competition and the best records will advance to an ePostseason.

The best way to track the RailRiders play in this virtual IL is by following Scranton/Wilkes-Barre on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. For more information, visit swbrailriders.com.


Friday, April 24, 2020

2020 Eastern League All-Star Game Cancelled
Binghamton, NY – The 2020 Eastern League All-Star Game presented by Ephesus Lighting slated to take place at NYSEG Stadium on Wednesday, July 15th has been cancelled. Subsequently, the 2020 Home Run Derby taking place on Tuesday, July 14th has been cancelled as well. MiLB canceled the game due to the delay of the 2020 Regular Season as an effect of the COVID-19 virus.
Team President John Hughes stated “This is a very unfortunate casualty of the COVID-19 virus. I know how much went into this from our community. The fans, the elected officials, and the team went all in to put our best foot forward. We are now shifting our focus to providing an incredibly action packed schedule into a condensed season. I remain committed to providing a safe and memorable experience for this community and look forward to our 2020 Opening day.”
Tickets for the Eastern League All-Star Game and/or Home Run Derby may be exchanged for (2) 2020 Regular Season, of equal or lesser value. Fans wishing to receive a refund may reach out to the Binghamton Rumble Ponies Front Office at such time that the stadium re-opens. More details are to come.
The Binghamton Rumble Ponies are the Double-A Affiliate of the New York Mets. For more information follow along with the Ponies on Facebook facebook.com/RumblePoniesBB, or on Twitter at @RumblePoniesBB.

Wednesday, April 22, 2020

LIVE SHOW FRIDAY!

Check out the second episode of The Sport of Bowling Show this Friday at 1 p.m. ET. On this week’s show, USBC Executive Director Chad Murphy answers questions on the recent announcements of the postponement of USBC’s Annual Convention and new specifications regarding bowling ball hardness.

Watch live FOR FREE on BowlTV.com or The Sport of Bowling USBC Facebook page.
RESEARCH PROMPTS USBC TO PROPOSE ADJUSTED SPECIFICATION FOR BOWLING BALL HARDNESS
ARLINGTON, Texas – After conducting research and performing field tests on bowling balls used in competition, the United States Bowling Congress proposes adjusting the specification for ball hardness to 73D for all models.
As part of the proposed specification change, USBC proposes eliminating the use of field tests to check bowling ball hardness because of challenges related to workability, temperature control and variances in testing devices.
Manufacturers will be asked to discontinue additional production of models previously approved below 73D by July 31, 2021. USBC is inviting a comment period for manufacturers through June 1, 2020, on the proposed changes.
The USBC Equipment Specifications Committee, which has delegated authority from the USBC Board to make equipment specification changes, proposes specification changes based on research provided by the USBC Equipment Specifications and Certifications staff.
The ESC staff conducted field tests on bowling balls at the 2020 U.S. Open and at the 2020 World Series of Bowling in advance of the 2020 USBC Masters. The field tests demonstrated urethane shells naturally become softer with use over time, compared to when initially approved, while reactive shells show little change.
While the results vary in magnitude by manufacturer, the trends were the same. USBC field testing showed five urethane ball models across three different manufacturers averaged under 72D after use.  
At time of approval, a bowling ball currently must have a hardness of 72D or higher. Raising the specification to 73D ensures reactive shell balls, which have higher hook potential than urethane, will stay above 72D hardness at all times.
The proposed specification allows balls to soften, as they naturally will with use over time. Currently, 32 ball models approved by USBC passed testing with at least one sample ball under 73D. All previously approved balls remain approved and can continue to be used in competition under the proposal, and any balls confiscated by USBC during field testing for additional research would be returned and could be used in competition. USBC does not feel having urethane balls naturally fall below the hardness specification is a competition concern, since reactive balls have more hook potential than urethane.  
USBC will maintain the requirement preventing bowlers from altering ball hardness as listed in the Equipment Specifications manual and in the USBC Rulebook (Rule 17a. Unfair Tactics):
      * The use of chemicals, or other methods, to change the hardness of the
         surface of the ball after it is manufactured is prohibited.
Visit BOWL.com/EquipAndSpecs for the 2020 Hardness Research Report and related research.
United States Bowling Congress
The United States Bowling Congress serves as the national governing body of bowling as recognized by the United States Olympic & Paralympic Committee (USOPC). USBC conducts championship events nationwide including the largest participation sporting events in the world – the USBC Open and Women's Championships – and professional events such as the USBC Masters and USBC Queens.
Founded in 1895, today USBC and its 1,638 state and local associations proudly serve more than a million members. USBC is headquartered in Arlington, Texas, working toward a future for the sport. The online home for USBC is BOWL.com.

COLLEGIATE ALL-AMERICA TEAMS ANNOUNCED FOR 2019-2020 SEASON

ARLINGTON, Texas – Webber International’s Caitlyn Johnson and Tom Hankey Jr. were recognized by the National Collegiate Bowling Coaches Association (NCBCA) as the Most Valuable Players of the 2019-2020 collegiate bowling season.

Wednesday’s announcement of the NCBCA All-America teams and award winners took place live on BowlTV.com.

The International Bowling Media Association (IBMA) award winners also were announced Wednesday, with Johnson and Hankey earning the top honors.


Johnson, a senior, claimed the award for the second time (2017-2018) and earned her third consecutive appearance on the NCBCA All-America first team. She averaged more than 210 in nine events this season, which included six top-five individual finishes and a win at the Glenn Carlson Las Vegas Invitational, a Tier I event on the United States Bowling Congress Collegiate schedule.

Johnson led the nation in average differential (38.03) and paced all female competitors in Tier I average (215.9) and average differential (40.34).

Joining Johnson on the All-America first team are Mount Mercy’s Ayra Aminuddin, Indiana Tech’s Maryssa Carey, Pikeville’s Lauren Piotrowski and St. Francis-Illinois’ Abby Ragsdale, the 2018-2019 Most Valuable Player.

Aminuddin also was selected as the NCBCA Rookie of the Year.

Hankey, a sophomore, continued his momentum after winning the Intercollegiate Singles Championships in 2019 and helping the Warriors claim the Intercollegiate Team Championships.

He led the nation in average (217.98) and placed second overall in average differential (35.58), recording three top-five finishes in nine events. Two of those performances came at Tier I events (Brunswick Southern Collegiate Classic and Glenn Carlson Las Vegas Invitational).

Hankey is joined on the All-America first team by Savannah College of Art and Design-Savannah’s Dylan Byars and Benjamin Martinez, Wichita State’s Brandon Biondo and McKendree’s Charlie Reid.

Calumet’s Kevin McCune was selected as NCBCA Rookie of the Year, in addition to being part of the All-America second team.


The NCBCA Kerm Helmer Coach of the Year awards went to Mount Mercy women’s coach Andy Diercks and Wichita State men’s coach Rick Steelsmith.

Jeff Fleck of the Raider Classic Club Championships was recognized with the Gordon Teigen Meritorious Service Award. The annual award recognizes an individual for outstanding service to collegiate bowling.

More than 1,030 student-athletes also earned academic Scholar Athlete status for the 2019-2020 season. To see the full list, click here.

BowlTV also recognized the award winners in four other collegiate associations prior to Wednesday’s broadcast. Those organizations included the National Tenpin Coaches Association (NTCA), National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA), National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA), and Club Team Bowling Coaches Association (CTBCA).

For a full list of all award winners, click here.

Visit BOWL.com/Collegiate for more information on USBC Collegiate.

NATIONAL COLLEGIATE BOWLING COACHES ASSOCIATION
2019-2020 ALL-AMERICA TEAMS
MEN

First Team – Brandon Biondo, Wichita State; Dylan Byars, SCAD-Savannah; Tom Hankey Jr., Webber International; Benjamin Martinez, SCAD-Savannah; Charlie Reid, McKendree
Second Team – Cerell Cardines, Nevada-Las Vegas; Daniel Chin, Calumet; Bryan Hahlen, McKendree; Dawson Maier, Indiana Tech; Kevin McCune, Calumet
Honorable Mention – Brady Adler, Martin Methodist; Tiler Levesque, William Paterson; Ryan Lopano, Emmanuel; Brandon Mooney, Wisconsin-Whitewater; Jalen Mosley, Midland; Andrew Orf, McKendree; Jorge Rodriguez, Lincoln Memorial; Andrew Sacks, Lindenwood; Brandon Soedarmasto, St. John’s; Ryan Winters, Wisconsin-Whitewater
Most Valuable Player – Tom Hankey Jr., Webber International
Rookie of the Year – Kevin McCune, Calumet
Kerm Helmer Coach of the Year – Rick Steelsmith, Wichita State

 
WOMEN
First Team – Ayra Aminuddin, Mount Mercy; Maryssa Carey, Indiana Tech; Caitlyn Johnson, Webber International; Lauren Piotrowski, Pikeville; Abby Ragsdale, St. Francis-Illinois
Second Team – Mattie Brandos, Robert Morris-Illinois; Megan Carpenter, Baker; Breanna Clemmer, McKendree; Kaitlyn Keith, St. Ambrose; Pamela Perez Millan, SCAD-Savannah
Honorable Mention – Taylor Bailey, McKendree; Lindsay Brown, Martin Methodist; Rebekah Commane, SCAD-Savannah; Cassidy Courey, Mount Mercy; Emma Davis, Alma; Addy Nelson, St. Ambrose; Tamera Stanton, Mount St. Mary’s; Madison Stiffler, Wright State; Sydney Urben, Mount Mercy; Jessica Wolfe, Pikeville
Most Valuable Player – Caitlyn Johnson, Webber International
Rookie of the Year – Ayra Aminuddin, Mount Mercy
Kerm Helmer Coach of the Year – Andy Diercks, Mount Mercy

 
Teigen Meritorious Service Award – Jeff Fleck, Raider Classic Club Championships
 
INTERNATIONAL BOWLING MEDIA ASSOCIATION
2019-2020 COLLEGIATE AWARDS
MEN
Bowler of the Year – 
Tom Hankey Jr., Webber International
Runners-Up – Brandon Biondo, Wichita State; Dylan Byars, SCAD-Savannah; Bryan Hahlen, McKendree; Benjamin Martinez, SCAD-Savannah
Honorable Mention – Cerell Cardines, Nevada-Las Vegas; Kevin McCune, Calumet; Brandon Mooney, Wisconsin-Whitewater

 
WOMEN
Bowler of the Year – Caitlyn Johnson, Webber International
Runners-Up – Ayra Aminuddin, Mount Mercy; Breanna Clemmer, McKendree; Lauren Piotrowski, Pikeville; Abby Ragsdale, St. Francis-Illinois
Honorable Mention – Taylor Bailey, McKendree; Mattie Brandos, Robert Morris-Illinois; Maryssa Carey, Indiana Tech

About International Bowling Campus
The International Bowling Campus (IBC) is the headquarters for the bowling industry and directly serves the more than 69 million bowlers in the United States. The IBC houses the resources of the United States Bowling Congress, the governing body and membership organization for the sport; the Bowling Proprietors’ Association of America, representing the business interests of bowling centers; IBC Youth Development; Strike Ten Entertainment, the marketing arm for the industry; the International Bowling Museum and Hall of Fame; the International Bowling Pro Shop and Instructors Association; the International Bowling Media Association; the Bowling News Network; the Billiard and Bowling Institute of America; and the International Training and Research Center.

Tuesday, April 21, 2020

Minor League Baseball Statement
St. Petersburg, FL, April 21, 2020 — Minor League Baseball™ (MiLB™) issued the following statement regarding a pair of articles published in recent weeks regarding the state of the Professional Baseball Agreement (PBA):
“Recent articles on the negotiations between MiLB and Major League Baseball (MLB) are largely inaccurate. There have been no agreements on contraction or any other issues. MiLB looks forward to continuing the good faith negotiations with MLB tomorrow as we work toward an agreement that best ensures the future of professional baseball throughout the United States and Canada.”
###
About Minor League Baseball Minor League Baseball is the governing body for all professional baseball teams in the United States, Canada, and the Dominican Republic that are affiliated with Major League Baseball® clubs through their farm systems. In 2019, Minor League Baseball attracted over 41.5 million fans to its ballparks to see baseball’s future stars and experience affordable family-friendly entertainment that has been a staple of Minor League Baseball since 1901. For more information, visit www.MiLB.com. Follow Minor League Baseball on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.


2020 USBC CONVENTION CANCELLATION FAQ

USBC CANCELS 2020 CONVENTION; MCDANIEL ELECTED USBC PRESIDENT
ARLINGTON, Texas – The United States Bowling Congress Board of Directors approved a special resolution to cancel the 2020 USBC Convention and postpone the Annual Meeting until 2021 because of COVID-19 public health restrictions.
The resolution was enacted to ensure a proper governance process under USBC Bylaws during these extraordinary public health circumstances. The resolution allows continuity of governance to be properly maintained in accordance with applicable laws until delegates can meet at the 2021 USBC Convention and Annual Meeting.
Under the resolution, the USBC president for the 2020-2021 season can appoint, with USBC board approval, delegate directors to fill the positions of delegate directors whose terms expire July 31, 2020. The delegates will be asked to ratify the appointments at the 2021 USBC Annual Meeting.
As part of the resolution, the proposed amendments for the 2020 Annual Meeting will be decided by delegates at the 2021 Annual Meeting. Any amendments approved at the 2021 Annual Meeting will take effect Aug. 1, 2021, unless stated otherwise. The legislative process for the 2021 Annual Meeting does not change, as members may request any bylaws or playing rules changes in writing to USBC by Sept. 1, 2020.
The USBC board also held its officer elections, with Melissa McDaniel of Raleigh, North Carolina, elected president and Adam Mitchell of Centreville, Virginia, selected as vice president. Both will begin their terms on Aug. 1, 2020.
“The decision to cancel the 2020 USBC Convention was very difficult and saddening for everyone on the USBC board,” USBC President Karl Kielich said. “Nevertheless, I am proud of our board for coming together on a path that puts the well-being of our members first and ensures a smooth transfer of leadership and governance responsibility. I congratulate Melissa and Adam on their elections and have full confidence in their ability to continue leading USBC in a positive direction.”
McDaniel currently is the International Bowling Campus Youth Committee chair. She has led the largest youth program in the country as center director and head coach. Mitchell has been a board member for Nation’s Capital Area USBC since 2014 and is a current Virginia State Youth Director.
“I am humbled to receive the support of the USBC board and excited about the future of our organization,” McDaniel said. “I look forward to working with our staff and board to continue advancing the outstanding programs and initiatives that we are building together.”
Mitchell was one of three appointments made by McDaniel, as incoming USBC president, to fill delegate-director positions for the 2020-2021 season. On July 31, Mitchell’s first term will expire, while director Jo Dimond and USBC President Karl Kielich each will reach their term limit.
Glenda Beckett of Palmetto Bay, Florida, and Tina Williams of Pflugerville, Texas, also were appointed as delegate directors by McDaniel.
The appointed board members, approved by the full board, were selected from the slate of candidates who formed the ballot for the 2020 election. Delegates will be asked to ratify the appointments at the 2021 USBC Annual Meeting.
Applications for the three delegate-director positions that start with the 2021-2022 season, with a three-year term running through July 31, 2024, will open this summer. Delegates will vote to fill those positions, at the 2021 Annual Meeting.
In addition to the appointments, other positions on the USBC board have been determined.
Bowling Proprietors’ Association of America (BPAA) Vice President Jim Decker, the owner of Double Decker Lanes in Rohnert Park, California, was selected by BPAA to serve as its representative on the USBC board. The position currently is held by Cathy DeSocio, who reaches her term limit on July 31.
Cornell M. Jackson of Kilmarnock, Virginia, has been appointed to serve a sixth year as director-at-large, representing The National Bowling Association (TNBA).
Nick Pate of Inver Grove Heights, Minnesota, and Liz Kuhlkin of Schenectady, New York, were elected to the USBC board by Team USA athletes, with their three-year terms starting Aug. 1.
Pate already is serving on the board, as he was appointed as an athlete representative in January to complete the remaining term of Rhino Page, who resigned to focus on new business opportunities in the bowling industry. Kuhlkin fills the spot held by Kelly Kulick, the USBC Hall of Fame member who will reach her term limit on July 31.
Additionally the USBC board adopted a proposal to amend USBC National Bylaws Article IV, Section E, adding a new item 15 that gives the board the authority to temporarily amend or suspend the bylaws, state, local and affiliate bylaws and the league rules and tournament rules in cases of government-declared emergencies or disasters, pandemic, attack on the United States, or any nuclear or atomic disaster.
The proposal was adopted by the USBC board effective immediately. In accordance with Article IV, Section E, Item 14 of the USBC National Bylaws, the proposal will be presented to delegates for approval at the 2021 Annual Meeting.
With many state and local associations also unable to conduct an annual meeting in 2020, the USBC board has suspended USBC Bylaw Article VI, Section A, Item 1. The suspension of the bylaw allows national delegates elected for a term ending Aug. 1, 2020, to remain in their position for the 2020-2021 season and remain eligible to attend the 2021 USBC Annual Meeting for those associations unable to elect delegates for 2021.
All award winners and honorees scheduled to be recognized at the 2020 USBC Convention will be invited to the 2021 event. This includes the induction ceremony for the 2020 USBC Hall of Fame Class and the recognition of the 2020 award and scholarship winners.
USBC staff will contact 2020 USBC Convention delegates who purchased optional event tickets, such as meals or USBC Hall of Fame tickets, to provide refunds.
The decisions of the USBC board were made following recommendations of the USBC Executive Advisory Committee.
Visit BOWL.com/Convention for the complete text of the resolution and for frequently asked questions (FAQ) about the 2020 and 2021 USBC Conventions and Annual Meetings.
United States Bowling Congress
The United States Bowling Congress serves as the national governing body of bowling as recognized by the United States Olympic & Paralympic Committee (USOPC). USBC conducts championship events nationwide including the largest participation sporting events in the world – the USBC Open and Women's Championships – and professional events such as the USBC Masters and USBC Queens.
Founded in 1895, today USBC and its 1,638 state and local associations proudly serve more than a million members. USBC is headquartered in Arlington, Texas, working toward a future for the sport. The online home for USBC is BOWL.com.

Friday, April 17, 2020

USBC SUSPENDS TEAM USA PROGRAMS FOR 2020
ARLINGTON, Texas – The United States Bowling Congress has suspended the Team USA and Junior Team USA programs for the remainder of 2020 because of uncertainty related to the COVID-19 pandemic and the postponement of international competitions to 2021.
This was a painful and difficult decision for everyone involved as the Team USA program represents the core of USBC’s mission, vision and values. Team USA programs provide athletes the opportunity to compete against the best in their sport on an international stage, and bowling is no different. Earning a roster spot and representing the United States in international competitions is an aspirational goal that begins for many as young bowlers at the Junior Gold Championships.
But the COVID-19 pandemic has stopped the sports world. World Bowling has pushed its world championships events to 2021, and USBC is focused on the well-being of our athletes and communities. Sadly, it appears clear there will be no international events for Team USA in 2020, and training as a team in the elite environment Team USA deserves will not be possible in the near future.
While USBC feels suspending the Team USA program for 2020 is the only responsible choice, we believe no athlete should be deprived the Team USA experience they earned or the opportunity to compete for the U.S. because of something out of their control.
Therefore, all 2020 Team USA and Junior Team USA members, if they remain age-eligible, automatically will be placed on their respective 2021 teams.
“We know this is disappointing for our Team USA athletes who worked hard to earn the honor of representing our country in competition,” Team USA Head Coach Rod Ross said about suspending Team USA operations in 2020. “Unfortunately, we do not see any possibility of Team USA competing this calendar year. We look forward to 2021, with a stronger expanded team that includes current team members and those who make the squad at the 2021 (USBC) Team USA Trials.”
Team USA competes in prestigious events throughout the world and 2020 was to feature such events as the World Youth Championships, World Singles Championships, Pan American Combined Championships, Pan American Champion of Champions and the annual QubicaAMF World Cup.
The attention now will turn to 2021 and bowlers still will be able to earn spots on next year’s teams at the Team USA Trials and U.S. Amateur Championships, scheduled for January 2021.
At the 2021 Team USA Trials and U.S. Amateur Championships, the following competitors will earn spots:
    2021 Team USA
      * The top four men and top four women, by performance
      * The U.S. Amateur champions
      * Two men and two women will be at-large selections made by the National Selection Committee (NSC)
    2021 Junior Team USA
      * The top four boys and top four girls, by performance, who are age-eligible
      * Two boys and two girls will be at-large selections made by the NSC
The annual summer camps for Team USA, Junior Team USA and the junior developmental teams also will return in 2021.
These decisions were made in consultation with the USBC Athletes Advisory Council (AAC). The AAC is a group of current and former Team USA athletes serving with a mission to communicate the interests and protect the rights of athletes. All members have represented USBC Team USA in the Pan American Games, World Bowling World Championships or American Zone Championships or other major international competition in the past 10 years.
Team USA members not only are the top athletes in the sport but also are the most visible ambassadors of bowling. Learn more about the team members and the Team USA programs at BOWL.com/TeamUSA and BOWL.com/JuniorTeamUSA.
United States Bowling Congress
The United States Bowling Congress serves as the national governing body of bowling as recognized by the United States Olympic & Paralympic Committee (USOPC). USBC conducts championship events nationwide including the largest participation sporting events in the world – the USBC Open and Women's Championships – and professional events such as the USBC Masters and USBC Queens.
Founded in 1895, today USBC and its 1,638 state and local associations proudly serve more than a million members. USBC is headquartered in Arlington, Texas, working toward a future for the sport. The online home for USBC is BOWL.com.

Syracuse Mets to Broadcast Virtual Video Games Played by New York Mets Catcher René Rivera
Games of “MLB The Show 20” to be streamed on Twitch.tv and replayed on Facebook

SYRACUSE, NY – Starting on Friday, April 17th, the Syracuse Mets will be broadcasting gameplay of the “MLB The Show 20” video game played by New York Mets catcher René Rivera. The broadcasts will be available on the Syracuse Mets Twitch channel at Twitch.tv/SyracuseMets. Select games will also be available on the Syracuse Mets Facebook page.  

Syracuse will begin its virtual broadcasts with a pre-recorded game shown on the Syracuse Mets Facebook page on Friday at 2:05 p.m. This would’ve been the start time for Syracuse’s 2020 Home Opener at NBT Bank Stadium. In lieu of baseball in person, Syracuse is giving its fans an entertaining way to get a taste of baseball and interact with a Mets player while still staying safe at home.

“While we would all rather be enjoying Opening Day and playing baseball at the stadium right now, I’m looking forward to entertaining our fans in a different way and giving them a chance to interact in this fun and creative virtual style,” said Rivera. “I had a great time in Syracuse last season, and I want to give something enjoyable to the fans who have made my time in Syracuse so fun.”

Also on Friday, at 7:30 p.m., there will be a second broadcast which will be live on the Syracuse Mets Twitch channel. No account is required to watch the broadcast. If fans want to comment during the broadcast and interact with René Rivera, they can create a free Twitch account to comment live. Fans without a Twitch account, will be able to post questions or comments to the Syracuse Mets on Twitter or on Facebook during the broadcast. Syracuse Mets play-by-play broadcaster Michael Tricarico will be commentating on the action, talking to René, and sharing some of the questions and comments that are posted.

More of these broadcasts are planned for the future, and additional information will be announced in the coming days. The Syracuse Mets will post broadcast information on Twitter and Facebook when the games are live so that fans can watch, comment, and interact.


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April 17 Statement on the 2020 Senior LPGA Championship


DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (April 17, 2020) – Tournament officials announced today that the 2020 Senior LPGA Championship, which was scheduled to take place July 30-Aug. 1 at French Lick Resort in French Lick, Indiana, will be cancelled. The fourth playing of the senior major championship will be moved to 2021, with the dates to be announced at a later time.

“Cancelling ANY golf event is a difficult and painful decision. We are extremely thankful for the support and flexibility from French Lick Resort and the Legends Tour during this trying time!” said LPGA Commissioner Mike Whan. “Importantly, all of us are committed to this important senior women’s tradition, and we cannot wait to watch the women legends of the game tee it up once again in 2021.”

“These legendary players deserve nothing less than a first-class Championship, and with the current circumstances, our first and foremost concern is for the safety and well-being of the players, the sponsors, the spectators and our staff,” said Dave Harner, Director of Golf Operations at French Lick Resort. “It has become more and more evident that we would not be able to conduct the event to its usual and deserved standard, therefore, we feel cancelling is the best decision. We look forward to 2021 with an even bigger and better fourth Senior LPGA Championship!”

“During these unprecedented times for all, we understand the challenges associated with planning and hosting the Senior LPGA Championship this Summer,” said Legends Tour CEO Jane Geddes. “That said, we look forward to returning to French Lick in 2021 and appreciate the ongoing support we have received from Steve Ferguson, Dave Harner and all at French Lick Resort.”


About the LPGA
The LPGA is the world’s leading professional golf organization for women. Founded in 1950 and headquartered in Daytona Beach, Fla., the association celebrates a diverse and storied membership with more than 2,300 Members representing more than 30 countries. With a vision to inspire, empower, educate and entertain by showcasing the very best of women’s golf, LPGA Tour Professionals compete across the globe, while the Symetra Tour, the official development and qualifying tour of the LPGA, consistently produces a pipeline of talent ready for the world stage. Additionally, LPGA Professionals directly impact the game through teaching, coaching and management.

The LPGA demonstrates its dedication to the development of the game through The LPGA Foundation. Since 1991, this charitable organization has been committed to empowering and supporting girls and women through developmental, humanitarian and golf community initiatives, including LPGA*USGA Girls Golf, the LPGA Women’s Network and the LPGA Amateur Golf Association.

Follow the LPGA on its television home, Golf Channel, and on the web via www.LPGA.com. Join the social conversation at www.facebook.com/lpgawww.twitter.com/lpga and www.youtube.com/lpgavideo, and on Instagram at @lpga_tour.


Thursday, April 16, 2020


FAQ: IBC YOUTH NATIONAL EVENTS POSTPONEMENTS

IBC YOUTH CANCELS 2020 JUNIOR GOLD CHAMPIONSHIPS, OTHER YOUTH SUMMER EVENTS
ARLINGTON, Texas – International Bowling Campus Youth Development has canceled its national youth championships events, including the Junior Gold Championships presented by Hammer, scheduled for July in Las Vegas.
The cancellation of events includes the USA Bowling National Championships, the Bowling.com Youth Open Championships, and the Survivor tournament.
More than 4,000 youths already had qualified for the events, set to take place at seven bowling centers in Las Vegas from July 8-26.  
“All of us at IBC Youth understand and share in the disappointment, as July is our time to celebrate youth bowling with the athletes, families, coaches, and volunteers,” said Gary Brown, IBC Youth Managing Director. “But this summer is the time to ensure the focus is on the safety and welfare of our bowling families.”
The COVID-19 pandemic already has had a damaging financial impact on families throughout the country and likely will affect the ability of many athletes to attend. Others may choose not to attend out of travel concerns, and IBC Youth does not feel it is proper to put any additional stress on our advancers’ families.
“We appreciate everyone’s understanding and support as we navigate through this,” USBC Executive Director Chad Murphy said. “The tournaments already were impacted as Junior Gold local qualifiers and USA Bowling regional qualifying events could not be held in the past month, which was the right thing to do as we protect our families.”
Over the next few weeks, every 2020 Junior Gold qualifier will have their qualifying fee ($100, $150 or $200) deposited into their SMART account.  IBC Youth will add an additional $70,000 to the scholarship pool, which will be distributed evenly to the advancers.
Refunds for Spectator Passes, along with Youth Open and Survivor entry fees, also will be processed during this time, and any tournament coordinator who was unable to conduct their event will have their entry fee refunded.
All scholarships and refunds will be completed by the end of April.  
IBC Youth considered postponing the events, but once we looked at the uncertainties about when local quarantines will be lifted and the logistical factors of an event that covers a few weeks and numerous bowling centers, moving to other dates was not a viable option.
And, of course, bowling centers also have been greatly impacted. As mentioned, local qualifying events were canceled and, with centers having been closed for at least a month, athletes likely would have taken part in their biggest tournament of the year without the ability to practice and train.
“Everyone has seen how businesses have been hurt by the COVID-19 pandemic over the last month, and that includes bowling centers,” Bowling Proprietors’ Association of America Executive Director Frank DeSocio said. “Canceling the events has a financial impact on the centers but everyone understands protecting our communities is the goal. Hopefully, we are able to open our doors soon and get everyone back on the lanes.”
The qualifying season for the 2021 Junior Gold Championships still will kick off on May 1, 2020. IBC Youth Development encourages local coordinators to follow local guidelines before hosting a qualifying event.
Qualifying spots earned for the 2020 Junior Gold Championships and 2020 USA Bowling National Championships will not carry over to 2021 event. Age-division waivers will not be granted, and all athletes will be required to qualify in their appropriate age division during the 2020-2021 qualifying season.
The teams that qualified for the 2020 USA Bowling National Championships are considered champions for their region, and IBC Youth will ship your team its national jerseys.
Indianapolis will be the host city for the Junior Gold ChampionshipsUSA Bowling National ChampionshipsYouth Open Championships and Survivor tournament in 2021.
About International Bowling Campus
The International Bowling Campus (IBC) is the headquarters for the bowling industry and directly serves the more than 69 million bowlers in the United States. The IBC houses the resources of the United States Bowling Congress, the governing body and membership organization for the sport; the Bowling Proprietors’ Association of America, representing the business interests of bowling centers; IBC Youth Development; Strike Ten Entertainment, the marketing arm for the industry; the International Bowling Museum and Hall of Fame; the International Bowling Pro Shop and Instructors Association; the International Bowling Media Association; the Bowling News Network; the Billiard and Bowling Institute of America; and the International Training and Research Center.