In this August 1980 file photo, the catcher from the Miami, Fla. team waits to make a tag at the plate during a Babe Ruth 13-year-old World Series game at College Stadium, now known as Diethrick Park.

JAMESTOWN — The Babe Ruth 13-year-old World Series scheduled for Jamestown this summer has been canceled.

Babe Ruth League Inc. made the announcement on its website and on Facebook on Thursday about three months before the tournament was to celebrate its 40th anniversary in Jamestown.

“In our continuing effort to put our focus on local league play and local tournament play, the board of directors of Babe Ruth League Inc. has asked that we forgo our traditional regional and World Series formats for the 2020 season,” said Steven Tellefsen, president and chief executive officer, in a statement. “Removing these events from the calendar in July and August will give local leagues and states more time to play locally once given permission to safely do so.”

Tellefsen said that Babe Ruth League’s “highest priority” remains the health, well-being and safety of our participants, families, volunteers and fans.”

Jamestown BRWS host president Russell E. Diethrick Jr. agreed with the board’s decision.

“It’s disappointing not to be able to do it, but they took a look at the full picture, and it’s a small sacrifice to make,” he said Thursday night. “It’s a thrill to have (the World Series teams) and host them, and it’s a great thing for the community, but I’d sooner err on the side of safety.”

The city has been the host for 17 previous World Series, the first coming in 1980, which made this year’s tournament particularly meaningful. While that won’t happen, Diethrick didn’t rule out the possibility of its return in 2021.

“Taking a survey of our officers and board members … we would be supportive of that,” he said, “but we haven’t signed any contract or agreement (with Babe Ruth League Inc.).”

Tellefsen concluded his statement as follows: “Until we meet again on the diamond, we ask you to focus on the guidelines set by the federal government and your state and local governments to make sure we are all committed to doing our best for the safety and well-being of everyone in our Babe Ruth community.”