yahoo
Fans of the Cleveland Guardians who shelled out hundreds of dollars per ticket for Game 4 of the American League Championship Series, plus additional costs for parking and concessions, exited Progressive Field on Friday, Oct. 16, drenched and understandably bitter. The frustration was compounded for those who had parked in the adjacent garage, only to find themselves stuck in a postgame traffic jam.
Game 4 was originally set for 6:10 p.m. ET on Friday, but the Milwaukee Brewers' 4-0 sweep of the Los Angeles Dodgers in the National League Championship Series prompted a shift to 8:08 p.m. ET. That change alone was not a major issue. However, as rain pounded Northeast Ohio throughout the day, MLB delayed its decision until shortly after 9 p.m. to announce the postponement.
The game is now rescheduled for 8:08 p.m. ET on Saturday, Oct. 17, and Game 5 will take place at 5:08 p.m. ET on Sunday, Oct. 18. The Guardians hold a 2-1 lead in the best-of-seven series. If a Game 6 is necessary, it will be played at 8 p.m. ET on Monday, Oct. 19, at Tropicana Field in St. Petersburg, Florida. The scheduling changes eliminated the off day for travel on Sunday, Oct. 18.
Fans holding tickets for the originally scheduled Game 4 on Friday, Oct. 16, can use those same tickets for Game 5 on Sunday, Oct. 18. Those with tickets for the originally scheduled Game 5 on Saturday, Oct. 17, need not take any action; they will simply see Game 4 instead of Game 5 on that day.
The core issue: by Thursday, Oct. 15, the Guardians were aware that Game 4 might be moved from Friday to Saturday, which would push Game 5 from Saturday to Sunday. The forecast indicated persistent rain in Cleveland, and all parties understood that Mother Nature would not cooperate. MLB could have made the call on the morning of Friday, Oct. 16, to postpone Game 4—a decision that seemed obvious—yet fans were left in limbo.
Guardians manager Stephen Vogt expressed understanding of the situation after the postponement was announced. "We knew how many days ago that today was going to be a challenge," Vogt said. "Numerous weather calls, numerous back and forths, and ultimately MLB decided we needed to wait it out. Obviously, it's an important game, and we need to make sure we're doing everything we can to play the games when they're scheduled. But MLB ultimately decided to wait this one out."
Gates at Progressive Field opened at 5:30 p.m., and many early arrivals waited for hours without official word. Vogt and Rays manager Kevin Cash had a scheduled call with MLB about the game's status at 6 p.m. At 7:19 p.m., MLB announced that Game 4 would not start on time, offering no further details. Meanwhile, the outfield was drenched, the warning track flooded, and the infield tarp resembled a Slip 'N Slide as the grounds crew worked to remove water as 8 p.m. approached.
This came on the heels of Game 3 being moved from 6 p.m. to 1 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 15, due to the forecast. MLB made that call around noon on Wednesday, Oct. 14, giving fans a day's notice to adjust. But when it came to Game 4, the league dragged its feet, leaving fans hanging.
Key Analysis
The delayed decision by MLB to postpone Game 4 of the ALCS not only inconvenienced fans but also raised questions about the league's communication and consideration for ticket-holders. With a clear forecast of persistent rain, an earlier call could have saved fans from hours of uncertainty and unnecessary travel. The situation was further aggravated by the traffic congestion, adding to the frustration of an already soggy evening. While the rescheduling ensures the games will be played, the handling of the situation leaves a sour taste for those who invested time and money in attending.
Originally reported by yahoo.