While I support the playing in Buffalo, it must be done safely and cannot put our community at risk. I have already contacted NYS and leadership regarding the COVID-19 outbreak. Last Friday, the Blue Jays and Buffalo Bisons announced they had reached an agreement to use Sahlen Field, once the Buffalo ballpark was prepared to satisfy major league infastructure standards including lighting, clubhouse space and batting practice facilities.Įrie County Executive Mark Poloncarz raised concerns in a tweet Monday morning. The Jays then attempted to reach a similar agreement to share Baltimore’s Camden Yards with the Orioles, but that too was nixed by Maryland health officials. That deal fell apart when Pennsylvania health officials blocked the move. Minor League Baseball has been cancelled this year, creating the opening for spectator-free games in Buffalo.īut the players had indicated a preference for playing in another major league facility, and the Blue Jays attempted to secure an agreement to share PNC Park with the Pittsburgh Pirates. The Buffalo Bisons and city and county officials encouraged the Blue Jays to utilize Sahlen Field in Buffalo, which is home to the Blue Jays’ top minor league affiliate, the Buffalo Bisons. Several Blue Jays players and staff members reportedly tested positive for the virus last month while in the state, according to the Canadian Press.
The Blue Jays’ spring training facility in Dunedin was all but ruled out as an option when Florida became a COVID-19 hotspot. The international border remains closed to most citizens. “We’re going to Florida that’s a hot spot so yeah we talked about it all the time and we meet with the coaches every day and make sure we kept communicating with the guys just to be careful and follow the guidance.”Įarlier this month, the Canadian federal government denied the Blue Jays permission to play their home games in Rogers Centre, citing concerns for potential COVID risks created by traveling to and from the United States. “The moment we left Canada, there was concern. It’s been a constant topic of discussion. He expressed his concern for Marlins players and stated while the Jays players have done well with COVID-related safety compliance, they continue to be warned that what is happening among the Marlins could happen anywhere. Officially, neither the Marlins or Blue Jays have issued any statement about the Buffalo game, but Blue Jays manager Charlie Montoyo addressed the Marlins’ situation during a Monday afternoon conference call. Sahlen Field in Buffalo, slated to become the home field of the Toronto Blue Jays for pandemic baseball games without spectators CREDIT MICHAEL MROZIAK / WBFO NEWS
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