Aug 2, 2007 5:22 pm US/Central
Twins-Cleveland Series To Be Played As Scheduled
Groundbreaking For New Stadium Also Postponed
Minneapolis (AP) ―
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The Twins encouraged patrons to use public transportation to get to the stadium. President Dave St. Peter said the team was encouraged to proceed with the series following consultation with the Minneapolis Police Department and the Minnesota Department of
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Groundbreaking for the new Twins ballpark, originally scheduled for Thursday, was postponed after the Interstate 35W bridge spanning the Mississippi River collapsed in Minneapolis. (File)
Minnesota Twins
This weekend's four-game series between the Cleveland Indians and Minnesota Twins will be played as scheduled at the Metrodome, despite the fatal freeway bridge collapse near downtown.
The Twins postponed Thursday afternoon's game against the Kansas City Royals because of the disaster that occurred about a half-mile from the stadium. The accident sent dozens of cars into the Mississippi River as fans were filing into the Dome on Wednesday night.
Cleveland third baseman Casey Blake spent three seasons in the Twins' organization, often drove over the bridge.
"It's a big blow to that city," Blake said. "That's some serious stuff there. I would imagine the city is very somber. I don't know what affect it will have on the players or the crowd. It's sad."
Thursday's postponed game will be made up on Friday, Aug. 31 as a day-night doubleheader when the Royals visit next.
Minnesota trails Cleveland by 5 1/2 games in the AL wild-card race. The two teams will play Friday night, Saturday afternoon, Sunday afternoon and Monday night.
The Twins encouraged patrons to use public transportation to get to the stadium. President Dave St. Peter said the team was encouraged to proceed with the series following consultation with the Minneapolis Police Department and the Minnesota Department of Public Safety.
"Our thoughts and prayers are with the individuals and families who are impacted by this horrific situation," St. Peter said.
The Twins postponed Thursday's game against Kansas City. The Twins also postponed Thursday's groundbreaking ceremony for the team's new stadium, which will be located downtown.
Twins officials decided to play Wednesday night's game after conferring with department of public safety officials. It was decided that sending 20,000-25,000 people back into traffic could hinder rescue efforts.
"It is a difficult situation, but it was the right thing to do to play tonight," St. Peter said Wednesday night. "Tomorrow is a different story. Not playing tomorrow is also a matter of traffic control. We are respectful of the situation and for the lives lost."
Baseball commissioner Bud Selig was scheduled to be in town for Thursday's groundbreaking. St. Peter said Major League Baseball is aware of the situation and the postponements.
He also said that, to the best of his knowledge, all Twins front office personnel and player's families are safe.
(© 2007 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.)
Special Section: I-35W Bridge Collapse
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