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Statement from the Frontier League

The Frontier League has announced that the 2020 championship season has been suspended due to the ongoing gathering and travel restrictions in many of our locations.  The League’s Board of Directors unanimously voted to suspend the entire 2020 championship season.

“We all want to play Frontier League baseball in 2020,” stated Rich Sauget, Sr., President of the Frontier League.  “However, with the continuing limitations on social gatherings in our markets plus travel restrictions impacting our Canadian teams we had to make the tough decision that without availability to play in many of our 14 ballparks that a 2020 championship season was no longer realistic.”

The suspension of the championship season allows individual teams to pursue baseball and other activities in their facilities as state and local restrictions allow.  Teams have been working with their local health departments and submitting reopening plans.  As restrictions are eased and health and safety plans approved the individual clubs will be announcing what activities they will be allowed to host.

“We fully understand and respect the seriousness of the COVID-19 epidemic,” said commissioner Bill Lee.  “With all of the excitement surrounding the addition of five former Can-Am League teams for 2020 everybody was primed for our best season ever.  That being said our league-wide focus now shifts to carrying this momentum into 2021.”

“We appreciate the passion, support, and understanding of our fans.  Activities such as the virtual Opening Day game simulations by Schaumburg and Southern Illinois, the virtual championship ring ceremony by New Jersey, and the virtual 105^thanniversary celebration of Evansville’s Bosse Field demonstrate the creativity of our staffs and our desire to remain connected with our fan bases even if we cannot do so in person.”

Founded for the 1993 season, the Frontier League is the largest and longest running independent professional baseball league.  Featuring 14 clubs stretching from the Atlantic Ocean to the Mississippi River and from the Ohio River to the St. Lawrence Seaway, the Frontier League annually moves the most players into Major League Baseball organizations of any of the independent leagues. 

Statement from the Windy City ThunderBolts

Following today's announcement from the Frontier League, all 2020 scheduled home games for the Windy City ThunderBolts have been canceled.  Alternate ThunderBolts’ games and events during the 2020 calendar year are not planned.

“While we are saddened by the official announcement from the league regarding the fate of this year’s championship season, we absolutely agree with the decision and look forward to working hard for a fantastic 2021," stated ThunderBolts General Manager Mike VerSchave. “We would like to thank all of the individuals and organizations that support us; especially our fans, sponsors, host families and season ticket holders.  While it will be a long off-season, we look forward to seeing you back at the ballpark next spring.”  

State health & safety guidelines will permit Ozinga Field to be open for amateur baseball and we look forward to hosting these types of events this summer.  Any amateur team (adult & youth) wishing to inquire about facility availability can call us at 708-489-2255 or email Mike VerSchave at mverschave@wcthunderbolts.com.

Final notes regarding the suspension of the entire 2020 ThunderBolts’ season…

-       All game tickets and reservations for any 2020 home game are canceled.  All group leaders with reservations of any kind will be contacted by their team representative this week to discuss your future options regarding your cancelled reservation.

-       All 2020 ticket vouchers, food vouchers, donation family four packs and parade vouchers can be used for any game during the 2021 season.  Exchanges will be allowed once 2021 single-game tickets go on-sale (usually in April).  However you can also just walk-up on a game day next year for your exchange so hold on to these items!

-       All actual 2020 game tickets are now void.  These tickets are not good for exchange.

Please call our offices at 708-489-2255 or email [email protected] with any questions.  Updates regarding the 2021 season will begin in the fall.

See you next year, ThunderBolts’ fans!