Following a mass shooting in the city early Sunday morning in which a gunman killed nine people, the Dayton Dragons (Low A; Midwest League) postponed their scheduled home game for that day.
The Dragons were scheduled to face the visiting the visiting Lake County Captains at Fifth Third Field on Sunday, but postponed the game in light of the tragic events. According to the Dragons, officials from the Midwest League and Minor League Baseball were on board with the decision. The Dragons and Captains are scheduled to play a doubleheader on Monday night beginning at 6:00. More from the Dayton Daily News:
“We felt that it was important following the events of yesterday that we put the season on hold,” Dragons President Robert Murphy said. “This city needs time to gather and begin the process of healing and we felt by playing a game at this point in time would not be appropriate.”
Murphy said the Midwest League and Minor League baseball were in agreement with team owners to postpone the game. The Dragons will resume their series against the Captains with a doubleheader Monday night at Fifth Third Field.
The Dragons stadium attracts thousands of fans throughout the summer for games and other events.
“We believe we have some great plans in place, but I think that anytime you have a situation like this you should pause and take a look at what you are doing and look to see how you can improve it,” Murphy said.
In a press release announcing Sunday’s postponement, the Dragons made the following statement: “The Dragons organization sends our thoughts and prayers to everyone impacted by this tragedy. We are proud to call Dayton home as it is an incredible place to work, live and play, filled with vibrant, resilient and caring people. We stand strong with our city as we come together and begin to heal.”