Back to the Chicago White Sox Newsfeed

Minor-league baseball returns for the 1st time since 2019. Here’s what’s new — including 40 fewer affiliates.

After more than a year of uncertainty and empty ballparks, fans in minor league cities are finally getting baseball back.

“Small town baseball, it’s the fabric of the United States,” Brooklyn Cyclones manager Ed Blankmeyer said. “It’s a culture.”

Minor league teams across the country are set to open their seasons Tuesday, returning baseball to communities denied the old national pastime during the coronavirus pandemic. Capacities will differ by jurisdiction, but for most, it will be the first opportunity to see pro players in person since the entire 2020 season was canceled.

Of course, much has changed since the last affiliated games were played in 2019.