While the major leagues won’t be playing ball on Opening Day March 31 because talks have broken down between the MLB and the players association, there is some good news for baseball fans.
Gov. Mike DeWine is a longtime Cincinnati Reds fan and his family has owned the Houston Astros’ North Carolina affiliate the Ashville Tourists for 12 years. DeWine says while it’s disappointing major league teams won’t start on time, he says Ohio’s five minor league baseball teams should be playing in April.
“They have players who are not in collective bargaining; they’re not in the union. And until they have a major league contract, they can certainly play in the minor leagues. So my understanding is all Ohio minor league teams will be starting the season on the date that they’ve set.”
DeWine says the MLB’s delayed start will hurt the businesses and vendors near the major league ballparks in Cleveland and Cincinnati. The Findlay Market opening day parade in Cincinnati, which usually brings in thousands and has been cancelled for the last two years, has been postponed.