Texas Collegiate League Delays Generals Season Opener
April 24, 2020 – The Texas Collegiate League (TCL), the Generals and all other league franchises are hoping all of our players, coaches, host families and fans are staying healthy as we continue to follow our state and CDC recommendations as we battle the Covid-19 pandemic.
In light of the current outbreak, and after consulting with community leaders, medical professionals and our supporting collegiate baseball programs, the TCL has decided to delay the start of the 2020 season. This will result in a 24-game regular season plus post season that will begin on July 3rd at Riverside Stadium.
The TCL voted unanimously to move the season opener to allow each franchise ample time to prepare and ensure that the safety of everyone involved is addressed and appropriate precautions are put in place. The league continues to monitor social distancing requirements of each city and is putting guidelines in place for fans to be able to attend games at our ballparks this Summer.
The Generals have a great season instore for our fans in 2020 with all regular season games being FREE TICKET NIGHTS thanks to our outstanding sponsors! The organization has also worked diligently on plans to allow players a chance to prepare for the season with the addition of a pre-season that will begin in mid-June. With collegiate seasons cut short in March, many players do not have the resources necessary to stay game ready. Expanding our preseason roster will also allow more players an opportunity to get live game time action once again before heading off in the Fall.
“We as an organization are dedicated to safety of our players, coaches and fans as we work to make this season happen for our players,” commented Mike Yokum, Vice President/General Manager. “Our focus will be to put baseball back into as many lives as possible as we work back to normalcy in our lives. Baseball is a big part of the Victoria community and a huge outlet for many.”
For our fans, there will be inter-squad and scrimmage games that will be open to the public, FREE of charge, with your usual baseball atmosphere, food and refreshments. These games will take place later in June and will allow players a chance to get back into playing shape as they prepare for opening day. We will also have a special “Senior Classic” exhibition game that will feature area high school seniors and give them an opportunity to suit up one last time at Riverside Stadium to take on the Victoria Generals. This game is tentatively scheduled for Monday, July 6th and will be FREE to attend.
The season will open up with the defending champion Brazos Valley Bombers on Friday July, 3rd with first pitch set for 7:05. The following day, we will be celebrating the 4th of July with our Warriors Weekend Night at the Park with our annual Warriors Weekend jersey auction. 100% of the money raised through the auction will go to the Warriors Weekend organization. Our other jersey auction is scheduled for Saturday July 18th as we host Strike Out Cancer Night at the Park with 100% of the money raised from the auction going to the fight against cancer. Although the season is shortened, it will be long on excitement with other promotions including Bark at the Park, First Responders Night, Diamonds on the Diamond and plenty of FREE TICKET NIGHTS. Updated schedule can be found on our website at www.VictoriaGenerals.com.
With expanding our roster to additional players also opens up a need for additional host families. Being a host family gives you an opportunity to get close to the game by providing a place to stay for our Generals. These players make great mentors for young children and create friendships that can last a lifetime. For more information on hosting, please call 361-485-9522.
Stay tuned for updated information on the season via Facebook and Twitter or by visiting www.VictoriaGenerals.com. We will resume normal business hours at our Team Shop soon located at 1307 E. Airline Suite H in the Town and Country Shopping Center.
