There are drainage problems at the stadium in Moosic and that could mean the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre Yankees could be looking for a new place to play.
Despite Sunday being a perfect day for baseball on this holiday weekend, the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre Yankees had to postpone games- again.
It has been sunny and warm for the past two days, yet the Yankees had to postpone games Sunday night, Saturday night and earlier this week. They said with all the wet weather and the poor drainage system, the field is not safe to play on.
Fans wanting to see the Yankees doubleheader against Pawtucket Sunday night met with disappointment.
For the second time in as many days. the Yankees had to postpone games due to drainage problems on the field.
"It's a very difficult situation because we want to be playing baseball. It's a gorgeous day and we want our fans to be out here, enjoying the game, experiencing all that Scranton/Wilkes-Barre Yankees baseball has to offer, and unfortunately, the players just can't be on the field. It's unplayable," said SWB Yankees President Kristen Rose.
Fans said it was disappointing.
"I think with a first-class organization like they are, being affiliated with the Yankees, and I am a Yankee fan, I don't think this problem should be taking place," said Kevin Kelly of Weatherly.
"They'll have to probably replace the field in the offseason, but that doesn't help now. Especially with this crazy weather," added Brian Lorenz of New Jersey.
Officials with the team said they expected the biggest crowds of the season for the holiday weekend. They said they are doing everything they can to fix the problem.
"We've tried everything. Long term we've been doing things like aerating the field. We've been digging holes. We've been adding drain tile. We replaced 14,000 square feet of sod," said Rose, who added the head groundskeeper for the New York Yankees will be in town later this week to evaluate the field.
The Yankees would not let Newswatch 16 inside the stadium to see the field, but did provide video of a helicopter they hired to hover above the stadium for two hours, in hopes of drying it out.
The Yankees said the decision to cancel the game was not an easy one, but they had to consider the safety of the players.
"Player safety is a priority. We can't risk having somebody injured because the field is not what it needs to be," said Rose.
"They have to protect the players. These guys are future stars. This is the last step before they go to the Big Dance. They have to protect them. As a fan, I think it's unfortunate, but it's steps that have to be taken," said Michael Bessette of New York.
In a news release from the Yankees Saturday night, team officials said if these conditions continue, the team may have to play their games elsewhere. The president did tell Newswatch 16, they are not there- yet.
Sunday's doubleheader against Pawtucket has been rescheduled for Monday starting at 5:35 p.m.
Despite Sunday being a perfect day for baseball on this holiday weekend, the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre Yankees had to postpone games- again.
It has been sunny and warm for the past two days, yet the Yankees had to postpone games Sunday night, Saturday night and earlier this week. They said with all the wet weather and the poor drainage system, the field is not safe to play on.
Fans wanting to see the Yankees doubleheader against Pawtucket Sunday night met with disappointment.
For the second time in as many days. the Yankees had to postpone games due to drainage problems on the field.
"It's a very difficult situation because we want to be playing baseball. It's a gorgeous day and we want our fans to be out here, enjoying the game, experiencing all that Scranton/Wilkes-Barre Yankees baseball has to offer, and unfortunately, the players just can't be on the field. It's unplayable," said SWB Yankees President Kristen Rose.
Fans said it was disappointing.
"I think with a first-class organization like they are, being affiliated with the Yankees, and I am a Yankee fan, I don't think this problem should be taking place," said Kevin Kelly of Weatherly.
"They'll have to probably replace the field in the offseason, but that doesn't help now. Especially with this crazy weather," added Brian Lorenz of New Jersey.
Officials with the team said they expected the biggest crowds of the season for the holiday weekend. They said they are doing everything they can to fix the problem.
"We've tried everything. Long term we've been doing things like aerating the field. We've been digging holes. We've been adding drain tile. We replaced 14,000 square feet of sod," said Rose, who added the head groundskeeper for the New York Yankees will be in town later this week to evaluate the field.
The Yankees would not let Newswatch 16 inside the stadium to see the field, but did provide video of a helicopter they hired to hover above the stadium for two hours, in hopes of drying it out.
The Yankees said the decision to cancel the game was not an easy one, but they had to consider the safety of the players.
"Player safety is a priority. We can't risk having somebody injured because the field is not what it needs to be," said Rose.
"They have to protect the players. These guys are future stars. This is the last step before they go to the Big Dance. They have to protect them. As a fan, I think it's unfortunate, but it's steps that have to be taken," said Michael Bessette of New York.
In a news release from the Yankees Saturday night, team officials said if these conditions continue, the team may have to play their games elsewhere. The president did tell Newswatch 16, they are not there- yet.
Sunday's doubleheader against Pawtucket has been rescheduled for Monday starting at 5:35 p.m.
