In a move that was a surprise to no one, Major League Baseball officially cancelled the All-Star festivities in Los Angeles for 2020 early Wednesday morning. They will instead award LA with the 2022 game, since Atlanta is set to be the host city in 2021.
The 2020 All-Star Game presented by Mastercard, which was scheduled to be hosted by the @Dodgers and the City of Los Angeles, is being cancelled. With the @Braves already named as host of the 2021 ASG in Atlanta, the @Dodgers will host the next Midsummer Classic in 2022. pic.twitter.com/kDs5I7GqOO
— MLB Communications (@MLB_PR) July 3, 2020
In a press release, Commissioner Rob Manfred cited the ongoing coronavirus and the limit on large gatherings as the main reasons for the cancellation of the game.
‘Based on health circumstances created by the COVID-19 pandemic that are beyond MLB’s control along with governmental directives prohibiting large gatherings, the league determined it is unable to conduct the all-star game and its week of surrounding fan activities this year.”
This is a mere formality at this point, as no one expected the league to try and hold an All-Star game without the ability to have fans present. The fact that Los Angeles will now host in 2022 is a great, sign since no one knows if next year will also be affected by the virus.
Dodgers’ President and CEO Stan Kasten also shared his gratitude with Commissioner Manfred for the quick turnaround in a press release by the team.
As excited as we were to host this year’s All-Star Game, we know that it will be worth the wait and that Dodgers Stadium and Los Angeles will host a world-class event in 2022. We’d like to thank Commissioner Rob Manfred for re-awarding All-Star Week to Los Angeles so quickly, as well as Mayor Eric Garcetti and Councilmember Gil Cedillo for their continued support. of this premier sporting event, which will have lasting benefits for our community.”
The hope is to hopefully have a vaccine by 2021 so that life may begin to transition back to a sense of normalcy, which would allow major sporting events such as the All-Star Game to be held without worry. For now, all Dodgers fans can do is enjoy the shortened 2020 season and wait for 2022 to come around to finally see the biggest stars under the Chavez Ravine lights.
