The 2021-22 Australian Baseball League season of four South Coast talents has had its start date pushed back one month amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
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During round one, originally slated for November 18-21, Greenwell Point's Tim Atherton and his Brisbane Bandits were slated to take on the Adelaide Giants, while the Canberra Cavalry, featuring former Shoalhaven Mariners' Cam Warner and Jack Middleton as well as Berkeley Eagles' Steven Kent, were pitted against the Melbourne Aces.
That all could change though, as Baseball Australia chief executive Glenn Williams confirmed ABL management are now targeting a mid to late December start to the season, to allow scheduling to occur with greater clarity on Australia's COVID-19 restrictions.
"With each day that passes it is becoming less likely that we will be able to play the opening rounds as planned due to the current COVID-19 status in Australia and with the various border restrictions in place," Williams said to Baseball Australia.
"By making an early call to delay the start date our aim is to minimise the impact of COVID-19 on the season and give clubs the best chance of playing in front of home fans."
Williams said it was too early to lock in a new start date and schedule for the season with so many unknowns, but the ABL and its clubs were fully committed to finding the best solution as quickly as possible.
"We will continue to monitor the COVID situation and plan according to the advice and responses of the federal and state governments," said Williams, who's 2020-21 season didn't start until December 17 due to COVID-19 too.
"We hope to be in a position to provide a clear path forward, including a start date and format of the season, in mid to late October.
"We thank our fans, players, clubs and corporate partners for their unwavering support during these challenging times."
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