After months of anticipation and uncertainty, baseball is finally back and the 2020 BMBL season is officially underway — but not without a few necessary modifications.

In order to maintain player and umpire safety, face coverings must be worn in the dugout, during an at bat and on the bases, no throwing the ball around the horn, no post game handshakes, and my least favorite rule — no post game gatherings in the parking lot.

The game of baseball has certainly changed, at least for now, but the good news is pitchers will still be pitching, hitters will still be hitting and fielders will still be fielding and not even the pandemic can take that away from us.

However, due to the shortened season and the current circumstances, there have been some notable changes across each of the four BMBL divisions.

MABL 18+ Division

There are a total of 7 teams representing the MABL 18+ division in 2020. The Cambridge Spinners and Lynnfield Cardinals have decided not to return for the 2020 season. The Middleboro Red Sox have changed their team name to the Middleboro Mocka Rays and the Merrimack Valley Marlins have changed their name to the Methuen Marlins.

A new franchise has joined the MABL 18+ division. Welcome aboard to the Boston Jakes, a team comprised entirely of active duty Boston Firefighters. The BMBL is honored to have them aboard. The MABL 18+ division will consist of a 10-game regular season schedule.

MSBL 28+ Division

There are a total of 9 teams representing the MSBL 28+ division in 2020, 5 teams in the Blue division and 4 teams in the Red division, including a new team out of the CABL. Welcome aboard to the Bay State Pirates!

The South Shore Spartans and Waltham Minutemen decided not to return for the 2020 season. The MSBL 28+ division will consist of a 12-game regular season schedule.

MSBL 28+ MetroWest Division

There are a total of 7 teams representing the MSBL 28+ MetroWest division in 2020. The Worcester Expos and the 2019 Champion Northborough Cardinals have decided not to return for the 2020 season, however a new team has joined the division. Welcome aboard to the MetroWest Astros!

The MSBL MetroWest division will consist of a 12-game regular season schedule.

MSBL 38+ Masters Division

There are a total of 9 teams representing the MSBL Masters division in the 2020 season. The Boston Cardinals and Saugus Sea Dogs have decided not to return for the 2020 season. The MSBL 38+ Masters division will consist of a 8-game regular season schedule.

Best of luck to all teams in 2020! Be sure to follow the current COVID-19 Safety Guidelines and stay safe everyone.