Coronavirus cancellations: Jackie Robinson Training Complex suspends operations
Jon Santucci
Treasure Coast Newspapers
The Jackie Robinson Training Complex in Vero Beach has temporarily suspended all operations and the seventh annual Jackie Robinson Celebration Game has been canceled in response to the coronavirus pandemic.
"Due to the national emergency from the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, all operations at the Jackie Robinson Training Complex are temporarily suspended indefinitely," the facility said in a written statement. "This recommendation, which covers all events, practices, games, clinics and any other potential group gatherings, is being made in the interests of the safety and well-being of our entire JRTC family and youth sports community at large.
"Nothing is more important to us than the health and safety of anyone who plays, coaches, and loves baseball and all other activities supported by the JRTC. MLB will continue to undertake the precautions and best practices recommended by public health experts, including by the World Health Organization and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)."
Major League Baseball, which assumed operational control of the complex in 2019, canceled its remaining spring training games last week and delayed the start of the regular season.
Minor League Baseball also has indefinitely postponed the start of its season, which made impossible the April 15 Jackie Robinson Celebration Game between the St. Lucie Mets and Bradenton Marauders at Holman Stadium.
"In light of the national emergency brought on by the current coronavirus pandemic, as well as in response to the delay to the start of Minor League Baseball's 2020 Championship Season, the United Way of Indian River County has elected not to host the annual Jackie Robinson Celebration Game at the Jackie Robinson Training Complex on April 15th," the United Way of Indian River County said in a written statement. "Since the game is part of the St. Lucie Mets' home game schedule, the game would be played independent of the United Way at the Mets' Clover Park in Port St. Lucie should the Minor League Baseball season resume by April 15th."
The Jackie Robinson Training Complex, formerly known as Historic Dodgertown, has become a destination for baseball, softball, lacrosse and football to train and compete. Teams from the Canadian Football League and Korea Baseball Organization have prepared for their seasons in Vero Beach.
Major League Baseball also hosts the Hank Aaron Invitational at the complex during the summer, and the Reviving Baseball in Inner Cities World Series was held at Holman Stadium in August.
The complex recently became the official training facility for all U.S. women's softball teams, although the team has not yet worked out in Vero Beach. The Chinese national softball team has trained at the Jackie Robinson Training Complex multiple times.
County documents show the complex has been a major tourism attraction, netting almost 61,100 hotel room nights annually. State formulas say that translates into an economic impact of $34 million.
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