Hurricane Irene didn’t make landfall until early this morning, but it has been wreaking havoc on Major League Baseball scheduling all week.
Cincinnati and Florida hurried up and finished up their series Thursday with a double header to avoid the hurricane as it approached the Sunshine State.
Later that day, it was announced that the Phillies and Marlins Sunday game would take place on Saturday as a part of a day-night double header. This was just the beginning of the rescheduling madness that’s taken place to avoid the path of Hurricane Irene.
As the hurricane continues to make its way north, several east coast clubs have already canceled their Saturday games. The Yankees were scheduled to play a twinbill against the Orioles today, but those games were canceled late last night.
Earlier in the day, the Mets canceled the last two games it was hosting this weekend versus the Braves in anticipation of Irene. Philadelphia canceled its evening game of their double header today, but is still trying to get the afternoon contest in against the Marlins.
The Red Sox and A’s are still planning a double header today in Boston at 12 and 5 before the hurricane hits, but those contests are in danger of cancellation as Irene approaches.
Two million people are under evacuation orders, and the hurricane has already caused tornado watches in North Carolina on top of the expected flood and wind warnings that have been issued.
All in all, Irene has done her best to clear the schedules of those on the East Coast of all things baseball this weekend.