Toronto Blue Jays rejected by PA, still remain homeless
By David Mullen
After reaching an agreement to play in PNC Park, the state of Pennsylvania has overturned the agreement rendering the Toronto Blue Jays homeless.
In a stunning development and with one day left before the 60-game Major League Baseball regular season officially begins, the Toronto Blue Jays are still without a home.
An assumed agreement between the city of Pittsburgh and the Pittsburgh Pirates for the Blue Jays to play their designated home games at PNC Park in Pittsburgh has been overturned by state officials in Pennsylvania.
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On July 22, a ruling released from health officials in Pennsylvania said that the Blue Jays would not be allowed to play at PNC Park in Pittsburgh amid the coronavirus pandemic.
PENN Live, the website of the Patriot-News newspaper based in the state capitol in Harrisburg, reported Dr. Rachel Levine, Pennsylvania’s secretary of health, stated:
"“In recent weeks, we have seen a significant increase in the number of COVID-19 cases in southwestern Pennsylvania. To add travelers to this region for any reason, including for professional sports events, risks residents, visitors and members of both teams. 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.”"
The July 22 edition of the Toronto Sun reported “The Blue Jays have firmed up plans for their summer retreat not far from the banks of the Allegheny River. Late Tuesday [July 21], a source close to the negotiations said that the displaced Major League Baseball team would make Pittsburgh home for the majority of its 30-game home schedule in the abbreviated 2020 season.”
On July 18, the Canadian government rejected a plan for the team to host home games at Rogers Centre in Toronto. A statement released from the office of Immigration Minister Marco Mendicino stated: “based on the best available public health advice, we have concluded the cross-border travel required for MLB regular-season play would not adequately protect Canadians’ health and safety.”
The Triple AAA home of the Blue Jays, Sahlen Field in Buffalo, N.Y., has been criticized for not meeting major league standards for play because, among other things, inferior outdoor lighting for night games and inadequate locker room space for teams practicing strict social distancing practices. Buffalo is approximately 100 miles from Toronto.
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Since time is running out for logistics such as travel modifications for visiting teams, the Toronto Blue Jays may have no other choice but to shuffle off to Buffalo.