Thunder Bay, Ont., – The Thunder Bay Border Cats regretfully announced today that due to the current COVID-19 pandemic, the organization has been forced to cancel their 2020 schedule in the Northwoods League.

With the closure of the Canada-United States border until June 21 and 14-day self-isolation restrictions for visitors into the country following any potential re-opening, it has made it impossible for the Border Cats to play home games this season. Additionally, there are no guarantees a significant gathering of fans will be allowed at Port Arthur Stadium at any point this summer. “It’s extremely unfortunate that we won’t be able to play baseball this summer in Thunder Bay, but with the current state of this pandemic, it is out of our control,” stated Border Cats president David Valente. “The Border Cats organization and its parent company Grand Slam Sports & Entertainment remains committed to Thunder Bay and the team will be back next season. We truly appreciate the patience and understanding from our fans and corporate partners,” added Valente.

There is a silver lining as the American born players on the Border Cats roster have been given the option to participate in a three-team league based in Bismarck, North Dakota. Canadian players on the roster could be added during the course of the season if they’re granted access into the United States. “The Northwoods League continues to be a top development league and that will continue this summer as a majority of our roster will be playing in a very competitive and safe environment at the home of the Bismarck Larks”, said Border Cats field manager Mike Steed. “We look forward to seeing the returning players in uniform for the 2021 season at Port Arthur Stadium.”

The Border Cats were scheduled to open the 2020 season at home tonight against the Eau Claire Express. The Cats will be contacting all current ticket holders regarding the 2020 season in the coming days.

The Thunder Bay Border Cats are a member of the finest developmental league for elite college baseball players, the Northwoods League. The Northwoods League is the proven leader in the development of elite college baseball players. Having completed its’ 26th season, the Northwoods League is the largest organized baseball league in the world with 22 teams, drawing significantly more fans, in a friendly ballpark experience, than any league of its kind. A valuable training ground for coaches, umpires and front office staff, over 230 Northwoods League players have advanced to Major League Baseball, including three-time All-Star and 2016 Roberto Clemente Award winner Curtis Granderson, three-time Cy Young Award winner and World Series Champion Max Scherzer (WAS), two-time World Series Champions Ben Zobrist (CHC) and Brandon Crawford (SFG) and World Series Champion Chris Sale (BOS). As well as 2019 Rookie of the Year and Home Run Derby Champion Pete Alonso (NYM) and MLB All-Star Jordan Zimmermann (DET). All league games are viewable live via the Northwoods League website. All league games are viewable live via the Northwoods League portal. For more information, visit www.bordercatsbaseball.com or download the new Northwoods League Mobile App on the Apple App Store or on Google Play and set the Border Cats as your favourite team.