Mets Owner Steve Cohen Apologizes to Marlins for Soggy Field, Forces Doubleheader

Mets owner apologizes to Marlins for postponed game due to field conditions caused by Tropical Storm Ophelia.

In a recent turn of events, the New York Mets found themselves in hot water after a sloppy field caused the postponement of a crucial game against the Miami Marlins. Mets owner Steven Cohen took responsibility for the circumstances that led to the washout and issued a sincere apology to the Marlins and their fans. The game was rescheduled as part of a doubleheader the following day, which had significant implications for Miami's pitching plans in their playoff race.

The trouble began when the infield at Citi Field was left uncovered during the four consecutive days of rain brought on by Tropical Storm Ophelia. Despite efforts to dry and smooth the field, the grounds crew was unable to make it playable. A message on the scoreboard alerted fans of the delay, citing the heavy precipitation from the storm as the cause of the unplayable conditions.

Major League Baseball representatives met with team officials from both the Marlins and the Mets to assess the situation. Ultimately, the decision was made to postpone the game due to the unplayable field conditions and reschedule it for the following day. The Mets emphasized that every effort was made to make the field playable, given the significance of the game for the Marlins.

The postponement had significant consequences for the Marlins, who were already in a heated playoff race. One of their top pitchers, Braxton Garrett, was slated to start the game but was instead pushed back to the following day. This meant that if the Marlins wanted him to pitch in their regular-season finale, he would have to do so on short rest.

Despite the frustration and inconvenience caused by the situation, Marlins manager Skip Schumaker chose to take the high road and focus on the potential benefits of the unexpected night off for his rested players. He commended Major League Baseball and Mets manager Buck Showalter for their efforts to get the game in.

The following day, under partly cloudy blue skies, the doubleheader began on time. Although there were still some wet spots on the infield, Schumaker acknowledged that the field was in much better condition. He expressed the hope that the frustration and complaining surrounding the previous day's events would be put behind them.

Showalter defended the Mets' grounds crew, explaining that leaving a tarp on the field for too long can have negative consequences for the grass. He emphasized that the decision to postpone the game was not taken lightly and that everyone involved wanted to play. However, the relentless rain made it impossible to do so.

Overall, the situation served as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of weather and its impact on professional sports. Despite the best efforts of all parties involved, sometimes circumstances are beyond control. Both teams now look ahead to their upcoming games, ready to move on from this challenging experience.

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