Cactus League, cities ask MLB to delay start of Arizona spring training because of pandemic

PHOENIX — The executive director of the Cactus League, which houses 15 teams in 10 Phoenix-area ballparks during spring training, has formally requested that Major League Baseball delay the start of the season by a month.

The proposal, sent by Cactus League director Bridget Binsbacher, was endorsed by all eight mayors and a tribal community in the Phoenix area in a letter that was sent Friday to Major League Baseball Commissioner Rob Manfred.

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“In view of the current state of the pandemic in Maricopa County — with one of the nation’s highest infection rates — we believe it is wise to delay the start of spring training to allow for the COVID-19 situation to improve here," the letter, which was obtained by USA TODAY Sports, said. “This position is based on public data from the University of Washington’s Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation, which projects a sharp decline in infections in Arizona by mid-March (an estimated 9,712 daily infections on February 15 and 3,072 daily infections on March 15).

A sign announces that Major League Baseball has suspended the 2020 spring training season, this is in response to the COVID-19 virus health emergency on March 13, 2020 at Salt River Fields at Talking Stick in Scottsdale. (Photo: Rob Schumacher/The Republic)

“We understand that any decision to delay spring training cannot be made unilaterally by MLB. As leaders charged with protecting public health, and as committed, longtime partners in the spring training industry, we want you to know that we stand united on this point. We appreciate the opportunity to offer input and thank MLB for its collaboration in assisting our facilities as they prepare for the 2021 spring training season."

The letter comes in the aftermath of the Cactus League representatives and mayors meeting last week with MLB in preparation for spring training games. They discussed the possibility of selling tickets in a limited capacity, which will require pod seating and contactless transactions.

MLB officials side with the Cactus League and would also like to delay the start of spring training and the regular season by a month. Yet the Major League Baseball Players Association informed MLB that it does not want a delay unless players still are fully compensated for a 162-game season.

MLB first offered to delay the season by a month in December, but it was swiftly dismissed by the union. There have been no recent discussions on the matter.

Players received just 37% of their salaries during the 60-game 2020 season that saw 45 games postponed. But they were able to still have an expanded postseason without the postponement of any playoff games.

MLB has also proposed seven-inning doubleheaders and extra-inning games to again begin with a runner on second base, which the union still must formally approve. There has been no movement in talks about a universal DH this year or an expanded postseason.

The most pressing issue now is establishing health and safety protocols that will go into effect at the start of spring training, with 92 players and staff members testing positive for COVID-19 last season.

Teams were informed two weeks ago by Manfred to plan on their spring training opening on time, but with just three weeks remaining before pitchers and catchers report Feb. 17, MLB and the Cactus League is running out of time in their attempt for a delay.

Follow Nightengale on Twitter: @Bnightengale

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