The writing was on the wall when MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred announced early last season that he planned to eliminate 40 Minor League Baseball (MiLB) affiliates. Sure enough, baseball’s Antichrist did exactly that and more … a LOT more.

In addition to cutting teams, Manfred also restructured and, in some cases, completely eliminated several well-established leagues within MiLB. Most notably was the famed Pacific Coast League (PCL), which was founded in 1903. A bit closer to home and perhaps of greater concern for Southern California-based Dodger fans, MLB also eliminated the popular California League (Cal League), which was founded in 1941 and in which the Dodgers Advanced Single-A (High-A) affiliate Rancho Cucamonga Quakes competed.

Keep in mind that with the elimination of these historical leagues, so, too, go their many records, including a good many set by eventual Hall of Famers.

With the stroke of Manfred’s pen, the Cal League and its storied history was gone, with the Quakes and the (now) seven other former Cal League teams being demoted and reassigned to what will now unaffectionately be called the ‘Low-A West League.’

“We got word from the Dodgers, who got word from MLB, that the Cal League was no more and the Quakes are now ‘Low-A‘ … whatever that means,” said longtime ‘Voice of the Quakes’ and Public Relations Manager Mike Lindskog. “But how do you take away history? Take away the record books? There are a lot of current and former major leaguers who made their mark on the Cal League; guys like Mike Trout and Cody Bellinger, just to name a couple.”

But there’s more.

Because of its proximity to Dodger Stadium (48 miles) and the level of play of the heretofore Advanced Single-A California League, the Dodgers regularly sent their rehabbing major leaguers to The Epicenter (or LoanMart Field, if you prefer). Not only was this geographically convenient for the players, trainers, and medical staff, it also gave fans an incredible opportunity to interact with actual Dodger players up close and personal.

“To see Clayton Kershaw or Justin Turner – just for example – rehabbing at LoanMart Field was a real treat for both Dodgers and Quakes fans,” said Lindskog. “And from what I’ve been told, that is not going to change.

Finally some good news.

During his daily Spring Training Zoom media briefing on Saturday afternoon, Dodgers manager Dave Roberts was asked if Rancho Cucamonga would still be used for his rehabbing players despite now being Low-A.

“Last year, we used USC as sort of a satellite kind of site, but obviously those guys are playing games, so as I understand it, we’re going to use that Rancho Cucamonga site,” Roberts answered. “As we break camp, the minor league [taxi squad] players that will stay back will be here, we’ll have some other guys come, and they’ll start their camp essentially early April. And then once the season starts, I do think that a combo of Camelback Ranch and Rancho is in play.”

Good news indeed.

But as they say (whoever they are), “All that glitters is not gold.” Although it appears that there will actually be minor league baseball in 2021, every MiLB ballpark will be under the same (very) strict COVID-19 health and safety protocols that will be used in every MLB ballpark; some of which make little or no sense at all … except, apparently, to Rob Manfred.

“Casey Ploehn, the Quakes longtime clubhouse manager, won’t be allowed in the clubhouse when players are in there, and the play-by-play man won’t be allowed on the field – pre or postgame – when players are out there,” said Lindskog, obviously referring to himself with the latter. “And, he won’t be allowed on the team bus or allowed to travel with the team for away games.”

All of this being said, it appears that LoanMart Field – and the rest of the Low-A teams of the Low-A West League – will once again have fans in the stands to watch their beloved Quakes.

…and perhaps even an occasional rehabbing Dodger.

Play Ball!

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