Puerto Rico irate over possible loss of Pirates-Marlins series
Tourism officials in Puerto Rico aren't pleased that a series between the Pittsburgh Pirates and Miami Marlins scheduled for May 30-31 in San Juan could be canceled over Zika virus fears.
"It's an outrageous situation," Rep. Angel Matos, head of the tourism commission for Puerto Rico's House of Representatives, told Luis Fabgregas and Ben Schmitt from the Tribune-Review. "The reality is that this cancellation is unfair, disproportionate, and makes our country look bad. It's an act of touristic terrorism."
Players from both teams reportedly banded together to let MLB know they'd prefer the games be moved to Miami after learning of the virus' presence in Puerto Rico. MLB is not expected to oppose the players' requests.
Puerto Rico has confirmed 683 Zika cases, according to the Tribune-Review, citing the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
The country, in the midst of a $70-billion debt crisis, has invested close to $2 million in the series, Matos said, with $5 million in projected revenues.
Puerto Rican representatives say canceling the event would also be disrespectful to the family of late Pirates outfielder Roberto Clemente, who was to be honored with concerts and tributes coinciding with the series.
Zika, which according to the CDC, can cause microcephaly, a birth defect where a baby's head is smaller than expected, has also made its way to Florida, where 90 cases of the virus have been found.
"So they're not coming (to Puerto Rico), and they're going to play in Miami, where there's also Zika?" Matos said.