Toomey Statement on Blue Jays Being Barred from PNC Park by Governor Wolf, Secretary Levine

Statement

U.S. Senator Pat Toomey (R-Pa.) issued the following statement on the news that Governor Tom Wolf and Department of Health Secretary Rachel Levine won't allow the Toronto Blue Jays to call PNC Park home this summer:

"This decision by Governor Wolf and Health Secretary Levine is baffling and disappointing. If it is safe for Pittsburgh to host the Pirates and visiting clubs for thirty games - and it is - then it is safe for Pittsburgh to host the Pirates, the Blue Jays, and visiting teams for nearly 60 games. As explained during my roundtable yesterday, Major League Baseball and the Players Association are adhering to CDC guidelines and implementing a rigorous COVID-19 prevention and testing program.

"The Blue Jays in Pittsburgh would have meant more hours for some ballpark workers, increased tax revenue for the city, and a small yet meaningful boost for a number of local businesses struggling during the pandemic. I hope the Governor will change his mind before the Blue Jays find somewhere else to call home this summer."

Yesterday, Senator Toomey convened a virtual roundtable on what Major League Baseball (MLB) is doing to keep players safe while resuming play. Joining Senator Toomey for the roundtable was Pittsburgh Pirates General Manager Ben Cherington, MLB's Medical Director Dr. Gary Green, MLB's Senior VP and Deputy General Counsel Patrick Houlihan, Philadelphia Phillies first baseman Rhys Hoskins, and MLB Players Association Chief Operating Officer Xavier James.

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