Game PPD, Fireworks at 9:00

Print

Game PPD, Fireworks at 9:00
07/04/2009 4:03 PM ET
Scranton/Wilkes-Barre Yankees

Moosic, PA - Due to ongoing drainage issues at PNC Field, the game scheduled for Saturday, July 4th vs. Pawtucket has been postponed. The fireworks show slated for after the scheduled game will go on as planned and fans with tickets for Saturday's game are encouraged to celebrate the holiday at PNC Field with gates opening at 7:30 PM and the fireworks show which will begin at 9:00 PM. PNC Field concessions stands as well as Legend's at PNC Field will be open for business.
The Scranton/Wilkes-Barre Yankees are currently experiencing a significant drainage problem at PNC Field which has been highlighted by the inordinate amount of rainfall this summer. The Yankees have taken several steps to alleviate the problem including drilling holes on the field, aerating, adding drain tile and replacing over 14,000 square feet of sod in the outfield. We have also enlisted the service of other experts, including a field consultant hired by structural consultants Ewing Cole, to evaluate the field conditions. Steve Horne, the PNC Field head groundskeeper, the field consultant and a third party group hired to do an independent study, have all reached the same conclusion: the PNC Field playing surface, as well as the drainage system, needs to be replaced.
Given the scope of the project, it must wait until the end of the season to be done. In the meantime, all efforts are being made by all parties involved, including the New York Yankees head groundskeeper, Dan Cunningham, to implement any and all potential short term solutions available. The SWB Yankees priority is player safety and it may become necessary to postpone additional games due to the playing conditions at PNC Field.
It is the SWB Yankees goal to play all remaining home games at PNC Field. If rain on or around game day makes the field unplayable and it becomes necessary to postpone a game, the Yankees will take action to inform our fans by 3:00 PM. Fans may go to the Yankees website www.swbyankees.com listen to local radio stations, watch local news programs as well as contacting our office to get the latest information. At this time, the SWB Yankees have no way of predicting how many games will be affected, but are pursuing a number of alternatives. If the weather and field conditions worsen, the SWB Yankees may be forced to consider playing games at alternative venues.
The SWB Yankees appreciate our fans patience and understanding as we do our best to bring our fans Scranton/Wilkes-Barre Yankees baseball. We will continue to due our best to keep our players safe and our fans informed as we work through these extenuating circumstances.
Saturday's game will be made up as part of a double header on Sunday, July 5th, beginning at 5:05 PM. Fans holding tickets dated July 4 may exchange them at the PNC Field Box Office for any game the remainder of the regular season for a ticket of equal or lesser value, based on availability.
The PNC Field Box Office is open 10-5 M-F and from 10:00 a.m. to the end of the game on game days with the exception of Saturday and Sunday 5:05 p.m. or 7:05 p.m. start times in which it opens at noon.
For further information, please call 570-969-2255 or visit www.swbyankees.com
This story was not subject to the approval of the National Association of Professional Baseball Leagues or its clubs.