MLB delays start of season over coronavirus outbreak

[March 13, 2020]  (Reuters) - Major League Baseball will delay its 2020 season's opening day by at least two weeks and halt spring training due to the coronavirus, it said on Thursday, joining other North American leagues whose seasons have been disrupted by the pandemic.

The 162-game MLB season had been scheduled to start on March 26 with all 30 teams taking the field.

"This action is being taken in the interests of the safety and well-being of our players, clubs and our millions of loyal fans," the league said in a statement.

"MLB will continue to evaluate ongoing events leading up to the start of the season."

The league added that it will announce the effects on the schedule at an appropriate time and will remain flexible as events warrant, with the hope of resuming normal operations as soon as possible.

"Players are of course disappointed they won't be able to compete on the field," said Tony Clark, executive director of the Major League Baseball Players Association.

"At the same time, they recognize the importance of public health and safety."

Yankees outfielder Giancarlo Stanton said the situation was unfortunate but that he supported the league's decision.

"It's important to know that some things are bigger than baseball and bigger than sports at the moment," the 2017 National League MVP told reporters.

"Hopefully, when we are able to get a hold on some things and get some questions answered so we can figure out when things can continue," he said.

A general view of LECOM Park during the spring training home of the Pittsburgh Pirates against the Toronto Blue Jays . Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

Some teams reportedly were giving their players the option to continue training with their clubs or return home to be with their families.

The delay marks the first time the MLB season has not begun on schedule due to a non-labor-related issue.

The start of the 1972 and 1995 seasons was delayed due to strikes and the beginning of the 1990 season was postponed due to a lockout, although in all three cases the seasons got underway before the end of April.

The National Basketball Association on Wednesday suspended its season until further notice after a player on the Utah Jazz tested positive for the virus.

Earlier on Thursday, the National Hockey League and Major League Soccer suspended their seasons due to the global outbreak.

The NCAA also called off its annual "March Madness" college basketball championships on Thursday.

(Reporting by Rory Carroll in Los Angeles; Editing by Ken Ferris and Ed Osmond)

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