Despite the MLB Work Stoppage, Maine’s Portland Sea Dogs Will Still Play

You probably have heard that Major League Baseball and the MLB Players Association couldn't come up with a new collective bargaining agreement this week, and the owner-imposed lockout will now affect the MLB's season. This is the first work stoppage since the 1994–95 Major League Baseball strike.

Opening day for Major League Baseball was planned for March 31, but now it will be pushed back at least a week. So, if you planned to go see the Red Sox play at Fenway from March 31 to April 6 you're out of luck, as all those game versus the Rays and Orioles have been canceled. More games are in jeopardy of being canceled as well if an agreement cannot be reached.

There is some good news, however. Even though the Portland Sea Dogs are the Double-A affiliate of the Boston Red Sox, the MLB lockout has no effect on Minor League Baseball. So, it's "play ball" at Hadlock Field!

The Sea Dogs' opening day is April 8, the start of a three-game homestand with New Hampshire Fisher Cats.

A statement was posted to the Portland Sea Dogs Facebook page on Wednesday letting everyone know that the Sea Dogs are playing, despite what's happening between Major League Baseball and the MLB Players Association.

And of course, Slugger the Sea Dog is patiently awaiting opening day, ready to entertain the crowds by racing around the bases with kids, doing the YMCA on top of the dugout, and doing his amazing backflips.

Tickets are on sale now at portlandseadogs.com, you can call the box office at 207-879-9500 or 1-800-936-3647.