SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico
A planned two-game Major League Baseball (MLB) series between the Miami Marlins and the Pittsburgh Pirates scheduled for Puerto Rico was relocated to Miami, after players from both teams raised concerns about the Zika virus.
The MLB games were scheduled to take place on May 30 and 31 at Hiram Bithorn Stadium in San Juan. MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred agreed to move the series after hearing players' objections. Meet Puerto Rico President Milton Segarra issued the following response after the news broke on May 6.
“We at Meet Puerto Rico are profoundly disappointed with the MLB’s decision to cancel the upcoming Pittsburgh Pirates vs. Florida Marlins game scheduled for Memorial Day weekend in Puerto Rico, which happens to be the same day as the 15th anniversary of Roberto Clemente Day.
“The MLB’s official statement indicates that the cancellation is a result of concerns regarding the Zika virus. We understand the serious potential of this virus.
“However, the MLB’s official statement ignores the following facts:
“Puerto Rico has undertaken major efforts—including the collaboration with the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Puerto Rico Department of Health to combat the virus and prevent it from spreading any further,” Segarra continued. “Hypothetical projections and worst-case scenarios are scaring our potential visitors. And, by mid-summer, all but 10 states of the United States will be at risk for Zika—including Florida (Miami) where this game is being moved.
“In fact, the state of Florida has had a public health emergency in effect since February in four counties who reported confirmed Zika cases—Miami-Dade, Hillsborough, Lee and Santa Rosa counties.
“In the past three months, Puerto Rico has hosted 95 groups with an estimated attendance of 40,000 people including about 100 scouts and baseball executives who are here this week scouting prospects. As a matter of fact, the U.S. men’s national soccer team is scheduled to play in Puerto Rico on May 22.
“Our attendees have followed the instructions provided by the CDC and to our knowledge, none of the attendees has contracted Zika. On our website we have posted several positive testimonials confirming the positive nature of the visits. Please click on this link to view the testimonials.
“In fact, according to our information, as of the beginning of May, out of almost 3.6 million people who live here, only 730* had Zika, and these cases were not in the tourist areas. By taking proper precautions as outlined by the CDC, our visitors can have a safe, fun and productive visit to Puerto Rico.
“Our doors are always open to the MLB to return and play.”
*As per May 5, 2016.
