Cactus League, Mayors Call On MLB To Delay AZ Spring Training
PHOENIX — City and baseball officials want to delay the start of spring training in Arizona, which continues to lead the U.S. in average coronavirus cases and deaths per capita.
Arizona Cactus League Association Executive Director Bridget Binsbacher called on Major League Baseball to make the change because of the coronavirus situation unfolding in Maricopa County, she said in a letter dated Friday and obtained by 12 News.
"In view of the current state of the pandemic in Maricopa County, with one of the nation’s highest infection rates, we believe it is wise to delay the start of spring training to allow for the COVID-19 situation to improve here," she said.
Arizona reported 5,321 new coronavirus cases and one death on Monday, with 3,763 cases in Maricopa County. The state still has the highest infection rate in the country, though hospitalizations are slowly declining.
Binsbacher's sentiments were echoed by mayors and city managers from Phoenix, Mesa, Scottsdale, Tempe, Surprise, Glendale, Goodyear and Peoria, as well as by the president of the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community. All host MLB teams annually for spring training.
Binsbacher suggested that mid-March would be a safer time for spring training to begin for fans and players alike. The University of Washington’s Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation predicted a decline in Arizona's coronavirus numbers by then. Spring training is currently set to start in February, with teams and tourists making their way to the Valley to take part.
Spokespersons for the Cactus League, MLB and for the Arizona Office of Tourism did not immediately respond to Patch's request for comment.
The Arizona Cactus League counts 15 teams among its members: the Arizona Diamondbacks, Chicago Cubs, Cincinnati Reds, Cleveland Indians, Colorado Rockies, Chicago White Sox, Kansas City Royals, Los Angeles Angels, Los Angeles Dodgers, Milwaukee Brewers, Oakland Athletics, San Diego Padres, San Francisco Giants, Seattle Mariners and Texas Rangers.
The Phoenix Suns are playing the current season to an empty stadium; the Arizona Coyotes host limited fans in Glendale.
The 2020 season was suspended on March 12 as the coronavirus pandemic began. The Cactus League revealed that, prior to its cancellation, the 2020 season brought in $363.6 million to the local economy, including $213.7 million in gross domestic product. In contrast, the 2018 season brought in $644.2 million, including $373 million in GDP.
This article originally appeared on the Phoenix Patch
