GOODYEAR, Ariz. — Spring Training for Major League Baseball’s 2021 season is fast approaching, barring any delays, but due to COVID-19, fans will not be able to attend.
Per MLB guidelines, the Cleveland Indians Player Development Complex in Goodyear, Arizona will not be open for fans during 2021 Spring Training.
Usually, fans are able to observe workouts at the facility, but this year will be different.
Spring Training is set to begin on Feb. 17, although last week the Cactus League Association sent a letter recommending a delay to the start of Spring Training in Arizona due to health and safety concerns.
The Major League Baseball Players Association said in a statement that it is continuing to devote its efforts to ensuring the baseball season starts as safely as possible.
Although we have not received any communication directly, the MLBPA is aware of a letter that has been distributed today by the Cactus League Association.
The letter states that after meeting with Major League Baseball, the Cactus League Association “believes it is wise” to delay the start of Spring Training in Arizona. The letter correctly notes that MLB does not have the ability to unilaterally make this decision.
While we, of course, share the goals of a safe Spring Training and regular season, MLB has repeatedly assured us that it has instructed its teams to be prepared for an on time start to Spring Training and the Regular Season and we continue to devote all our efforts to making sure that that takes place as safely as possible.
Although fans will not be able to observe workouts, a decision on allowing fans for preseason game attendance at Goodyear Ballpark has not yet been decided, the team said.
The city of Goodyear is continuing to work with health and safety officials, as well as MLB, to make a decision on fan policy this season.
Meanwhile in Cleveland, the Indians are working with the Cleveland Clinic and state and local officials to hopefully have fans in attendance for the 2021 regular season at Progressive Field.
