Thread by @chasingray, Something few folks have noticed - minor league baseball is being gutted [...]

Something few folks have noticed - minor league baseball is being gutted during the pandemic. Teams are not paying. And for a lot of towns that love their Minor League teams, the end is near. https://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/2020/05/27/minor-leagues-have-major-issues-baseballs-future-will-feel-impact/

Perspective | Minor leagues have major issues, and baseball’s future will feel the impact

The sport's present is uncertain at its highest level, but its feeder system is facing unprecedented change.

https://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/2020/05/27/minor-leagues-have-major-issues-baseballs-future-will-feel-impact/

I don't have a dog in this fight as my much beloved @PawSox were already sold. (Though I doubt Worcester is going to be ready for them as scheduled.)

I have always been a fan of minor league baseball. It's America. I love this essay about it. https://www.jacksonville.com/news/20180410/mark-woods-nine-reasons-why-i-love-minor-league-baseball

Mark Woods: Nine reasons why I love minor league baseball

After starting the year on the road, the Jumbo Shrimp play their home opener Wednesday night. With that in mind, I offer … Nine Reasons (One for Each Inning) Why I Love Minor League Baseball. 1....

https://www.jacksonville.com/news/20180410/mark-woods-nine-reasons-why-i-love-minor-league-baseball

And I'm not the only fan of the minor leagues. https://ballparkdigest.com/2015/02/19/study-fans-love-minor-league-baseball/

Study: Fans love Minor League Baseball

This probably isn’t a surprise for our readers in the baseball industry, but worth noting nevertheless: A nationwide study indicates broad satisfaction with the gameday experience presented b…

https://ballparkdigest.com/2015/02/19/study-fans-love-minor-league-baseball/

You don't have to pay a gazillion dollars to park. That's a major reason to love minor league baseball. But also, yeah, it's just fun. https://www.insidehook.com/article/sports/go-see-minor-league-baseball

If You Don't Go to a Minor League Baseball Game This Summer, You Hate Fun

If You Don't Go to a Minor League Baseball Game This Summer, You Hate Fun. Grab your Tebow jerseys and a stack of $1 bills

https://www.insidehook.com/article/sports/go-see-minor-league-baseball

But for me, it's personal. My Uncle Ben told me - more than once - that the @PawSox mattered because a family of 4 could hit the game, tickets, hotdogs & soda, for "peanuts".He remembered what it was like to be a poor kid & brought fun to so many. https://www.rimonthly.com/a-look-back-at-former-pawsox-owner-ben-mondor/

A Look Back at Former PawSox Owner Ben Mondor - Rhode Island Monthly

A Look Back at Former PawSox Owner Ben Mondor: An interview with the late Ben Mondor of the Pawtucket Red Sox.

https://www.rimonthly.com/a-look-back-at-former-pawsox-owner-ben-mondor/

There is not a lot in this country that is affordable for a family without a lot of cash. Minor League baseball never disappoints. I wish we didn't have to lose it. https://www.nytimes.com/2018/08/20/sports/baseball-pawtucket-worcester-relocating.html

Baseball’s Long Run in Pawtucket Has an Expiration Date

The Boston Red Sox have had a minor league team in Rhode Island since 1973. The team known as the PawSox are expected to move to Worcester, Mass., in 2021.

https://www.nytimes.com/2018/08/20/sports/baseball-pawtucket-worcester-relocating.html

Here's my Uncle Ben on the PawSox and what he & his team built for the folks of Pawtucket.

I think it is time to watch Bull Durham again.

Also a good time to check out the FANTASTIC documentary "The Battered Bastards of Baseball" on Bing Russell's quest to bring independent baseball to Portland. So so so good. You'll love it. (h/t to @SamuelMoore for reminding of this one.)

You can follow @chasingray.

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