Blue Jays To Play Home Games In Buffalo After Being Rejected In PA
Toronto Blue Jays Hello, Buffalo!!! ... Find Home For 2020
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9:25 AM PT -- 7/24 -- The Toronto Blue Jays have finally found a place to hang their hats in 2020 ... with the team officially agreeing to play home games in Buffalo.
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"We are extremely grateful to have a home in Buffalo this season, thanks to the openness, creativity, and partnership of the Buffalo Bisons, Major League Baseball, and Blue Jay staff, who have worked tirelessly to prepare us for games at Sahlen Field," Jays CEO Mark Shapiro said in a statement.
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The Jays were also exploring playing in Baltimore ... but have ended up at the AAA Buffalo Bisons' Sahlen Field.
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"This process has no doubt tested our team's resilience, but our players and staff refuse to make excuses - we are determined to take the field on Opening Day today, and for the coming months, with the same intensity and competitiveness that our fans expect."
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12:12 PM PT -- The Pennsylvania Department of Health just rejected the Blue Jays' temporary move to Pittsburgh for the 2020 season ... saying the risk is not worth the reward.
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"In recent weeks, we have seen a significant increase in the number of COVID-19 cases in southwestern Pennsylvania," Secretary of Health Dr. Rachel Levine said in a statement.
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"To add travelers to this region for any reason, including for professional sports events, risks residents, visitors and members of both teams."
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"We know that this virus does not discriminate, and can even make professional athletes very sick. We are committed to protecting the health and well-being of all Pennsylvanians."
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So ... what now?? ESPN is reporting the Blue Jays could end up in Baltimore ... or even homeless for the season.
The Pittsburgh Blue Jays??
Toronto's MLB team has found a new home at the Pirates' PNC Park for the 2020 season ... after the Canadian government refused to allow games at their home stadium during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Jays will play the majority of their home games 5 hours away in the Steel City ... aside from 2 "home" series against New York at Yankee Stadium and Washington at Nationals Park, according to USA Today.
Of course, Canada shut down the idea of the team traveling back and forth into the U.S. ... considering it's a COVID-19 hot spot.
The decision comes after several Blue Jays players expressed their disinterest in playing at Buffalo Bisons' facility ... which was also tossed around as another option.
"Most guys don’t want to play in a AAA ballpark," outfielder Randal Grichuk said of the possibility. "Training room, weight room, those aren’t really up to big-league standards."
Sorry for your loss, Buffalo!
Originally Published -- 7/23 9:43 AM PT
