The New York Yankees’ upcoming game against the Miami Marlins has encountered a delay of four hours, the team announced Thursday, due to an impending total solar eclipse. Originally slated for a 2:05 p.m. ET start time, the game will now commence at 6:05 p.m. ET, with Yankee Stadium gates opening at 3 p.m. As a special treat, the first 15,000 fans in attendance will receive a Yankees Solar Eclipse T-Shirt.
News of this began circulating in the afternoon. Hours later, the team finally announced it, stating it was discussed with Major League Baseball.
What happened?
This decision comes after careful consideration of the challenges posed by playing during the solar eclipse, including potential in-game disruptions. The eclipse is set to be visible in New York City beginning at 2:10 p.m. ET, although it will be perceived as a partial solar eclipse from Yankee Stadium in The Bronx due to the path of totality. Interestingly, several cities across New York are positioned within the path of totality, enhancing the celestial spectacle.
Interestingly, other Major League Baseball teams will also experience the solar eclipse, with the Texas Rangers hosting the Houston Astros and the Cleveland Guardians facing off against the Chicago White Sox. However, both of these games are scheduled to occur after the eclipse, mitigating any potential gameplay interruptions.
The Yankees, who currently boast a strong 6-1 record, are eager to maintain their momentum as they prepare to face the Marlins. Following this matchup, they will engage in a three-game home series against the Toronto Blue Jays over the weekend. Notably, the Marlins are striving to secure their first victory of the season, having yet to achieve success in their initial eight games. Marlins standout Jazz Chisholm Jr. has attributed some of the team’s early struggles to shadows cast by the open roof at LoanDepot Park, further underlining the importance of rescheduling the game in light of the eclipse.
Ultimately, the decision to delay the Yankees-Marlins game serves to prioritize both player safety and fan experience, ensuring that everyone can enjoy the celestial event without compromising the integrity of the game.
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