No Knights — First Season Without Pro Baseball in Charlotte Since 1975
For the first time since 1975, we won’t see professional baseball in the Charlotte area in 2020. On Tuesday, June 28, the 2020 Minor League Baseball season was officially cancelled. While it didn’t come as a surprise, it still hurt.
For me, it personally hurts. I miss my press box staff. I miss the ballpark’s game day staff. I miss the players. The coaches. The broadcasters. The celebrities. The fans. The crack of the bat. The chance to run the bases with my kids. And, I miss all of the smiles on all of their faces just by being at the ballpark. Baseball brings out the best in people. It’s America’s Pastime.
I started working in baseball in 2004 as an unpaid intern with the Altoona Curve. Although I didn’t work in a minor league front office in 2005, 2006 & 2007 — I returned in an unpaid internship role in 2008 with the Lehigh Valley IronPigs. A year later, I was back with the ‘Pigs in a paid internship role in 2009. Since 2008, I’ve been working in baseball ever since. It’s been a dream come true. Working in Minor League Baseball has given me many great opportunities in life. But, enough about me…
For fans in the Charlotte area, the 2020 season marks the first time baseball won’t be played professionally since 1975.
After the Charlotte Hornets and Charlotte Twins left in 1972, baseball was dormant in the Queen City from 1973 to 1975.
Thanks to the Crockett family, baseball was back and better than ever in 1976.
That season, the Charlotte Orioles were the talk of the town. Affordable, family entertainment at the ballpark. A chance to see future major leaguers again. A chance to watch baseball in the Queen City. I wish I could have been there to see a game at Crockett Park.
1976 CHARLOTTE O’S
Led by manager Jim Schaffer and future Hall-of-Famer Eddie Murray, the team posted a 74–66 record — but more importantly — provided a great experience to those in the Charlotte area.
Over the years, the O’s proved successful. Frances Crockett’s tireless efforts did not go unnoticed and the stadium on Magnolia Avenue was a big hit!
Sports Illustrated even wrote about the success in 1983…
Over the years, I’ve been so fortunate to get to know Frances and the Crockett family. I always appreciate all of their support of Knights baseball — but more importantly — I appreciate what they have done for the Charlotte community over the years. Without them, baseball wouldn’t be what it is now in Charlotte.
Sadly, things are different now. We’re in the middle of a pandemic and things are really tough. Baseball isn’t everything. But, someday, baseball will come back — and we know that will be a special day.
