MLB lockout now impacting spring training games

Major League Baseball and its players are at odds with one another over the money they make. But this ongoing dispute is affecting more than just fans.

This stall also hurts the vendors that those fans count on seeing at the games.

Two years ago, spring training games were canceled due to the onset of the pandemic. Then, in 2021, the capacity was limited at spring training games. This year, businesses and vendors are preparing for yet another financial hit that will make it three years in a row.

Vendors that spoke to WINK News say that they remain cautiously optimistic despite these financial hits.

There are certain sights, sounds and smells associated with spring training.

And, if you’ve ever been to JetBlue Park, chances are you’ve enjoyed scents from Nuts Galore!

Jan and Bernie Zayac are the owners of Nuts Galore! “We cook several different kinds, so we have those in stock ready to go. I don’t cook ahead of time because we cook everything fresh. So, we’re just waiting for the ‘go,’ to stay up cooking all night long,” the Zayacs said, laughing.

Major League Baseball is postponing spring training until at least Mar. 5. Meaning four of the 17 home spring training games for the Boston Red Sox are no longer taking place.

“It’s a big deal. And I would think it would be a big deal for the season ticket holders, you know. They’ve planned vacations around coming down,” said Zayac.

Those 17 home games at JetBlue Park are a significant time for the business. Missing even one game can hurt them financially.

The owners of Tropical Island Kettle Korn agree. Carol Dembrowksi is an owner of Tropical Island Kettle Korn. “The Red Sox is definitely our biggest event of the whole year. And we really do miss… we miss the games,” Dembrowski said.

Negotionas are scheduled to start on Monday, so that Mar. 5 start date is a possibility.

Dembrowski just wants to get back to the team, fans and other vendors she loves being surrounded by.

“We miss our Red Sox fans,” said Dembrowski. “We miss our customers. And we’re hoping, hoping for at least a couple of weeks. That’s what we’re hoping for.

Open House for Red Sox spring training is still on track for Saturday, Feb. 19, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

As for those fans who purchased tickets for those first few games that have been canceled, you do have options. If you purchased your tickets directly from the Red Sox for gams taking place from Feb. 25 to Mar. 4, you have two choices on how to rectify the situation.

1.

Option #1 – Receive a credit on your account A credit will be added to your account, equal to the value of the tickets from the canceled game(s). The credit will be redeemable for a future game during the 2022 or 2023 season.

2.