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.”

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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.

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.

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/lpga, www.twitter.com/lpga and www.youtube.com/lpgavideo, and on Instagram at @lpga_tour.

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 Championships, USA Bowling National Championships, Youth 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.

HERE & THERE COLUMN

 Lighthouse Church Surviving Coronavirus

 

  The Coronavirus pandemic has impacted religion in various ways, including the cancellation  of worship services of various faiths but there are also churches that feel it is wrong for them to close their doors at this time of crisis with people being fearful and in need of comfort.

  The Liberty based Lighthouse Ministries Church, pastored by the Rev. Dr. Rich and Rev. Kathie Ienuso has been holding three services a week.

  Pastor Rich when asked if they were holding services in the church said, "yes we are,' and "I informed our congregation that if they do not want to attend it would be no problem."

  "Everyone has faith and no one is ridiculed for their faith," the pastor noted. "We have disinfectant at the door, practice social distancing and attendees can wear gloves and face mask's if they want to," the pastor added. 

  The church services are 10:30 a.m. on Sunday, 10 a.m. for Wednesday Prayer and bible study on Wednesday at 6 p.m. On Sunday they are streaming on Zoom.us from 11:30-noon. 

  He strongly noted that, "we use social distancing and remember that Jesus is the Head of the Church and he is building the church and we are obeying God's Word to meet together (Hebrews 10:25)."

  Pastor Rich said his church is "obeying the guidelines of the Government wherby Houses of Worship are permitted to be open as per Guidance Executive Order #202.6."

  When asked about Pastor Greg Locke of The River Church at Tampa Bay who was arrested following a large church gathering, Pastor Rich said, "Amen, that's why we are here as Lighthouse Ministries Church....to be a Lighthouse in Liberty, NY."

  The church, located at 23 Triangle Road, Liberty, is part of the Elim Fellowship and is also the home of Destiny Bible College. 

  With conducting his church services Pastor Rich strongly emphasised "the Bill of Rights is still the Law of the Land....Free of Religion...not freedom from Religion."

  "This is the church's great hour....revival and a great awakening is coming....God is testing His Church if it has faith and He is telling the world He still loves it (John 3:16)," the Bible-Based Christ Centered Pentecostal church pastor said.