Yankees, Mets to train in New York if teams resume
NEW YORK (AP) » The Yankees and Mets would train in New York if Major League Baseball and its players try to start the coronavirus-delayed season.
Gov. Andrew Cuomo made the announcement Saturday, and the teams confirmed the decisions. The Democrat said he would like to stop by to see them training.
“I think New York now is especially attractive, compared to the other states, because we have such a low transmission rate, and this is a state that is ready, willing and able to partner with sports teams so that they can play,” Cuomo said.
The Yankees originally had intended to base at their spring training complex in Tampa, Florida, instead of Yankee Stadium. The Mets had said they were undecided between Citi Field and their training camp in Port St. Lucie, Florida.
Florida at first appeared preferable because the complexes have more fields.
But positive cases for COVID-19 in Florida have increased markedly in recent days, while the percentage of positive tests in New York City has dropped sharply. New York City is set to enter phase two of reopening on Monday, allowing stores and outdoor restaurant seating to reopen with social distancing.
All 30 MLB teams have closed their spring camps in Florida and Arizona this weekend over virus concerns.
MLB had hoped to start the season during the first week of July, but teams and the players’ association are engaged in a bitter fight over how to apportion revenue losses caused by the pandemic.
Both sides agree that players need three weeks of training before the increasingly slight season could start.