What had become increasingly inevitable was made official this week as Major League Baseball announced they have delayed the start of Spring Training games until at least early March due to the ongoing lockout.
For the Los Angeles Dodgers, it amounted to their first seven Cactus League games being canceled. As it currently stands, they won’t play their first 2022 Spring Training game until a split doubleheader against the Chicago White Sox and Texas Rangers on March 5.
“We regret that, without a collective bargaining agreement in place, we must postpone the start of Spring Training games until no earlier than Saturday, March 5th. All 30 clubs are unified in their strong desire to bring players back to the field and fans back to the stands,” MLB said in their statement.
“The Clubs have adopted a uniform policy that provides an option for full refunds for fans who have purchased tickets from the Club to any Spring Training games that are not taking place. We are committed to reaching an agreement that is fair to each side.
“On Monday, members of the owners’ bargaining committee will join an in-person meeting with the Players Association and remain every day next week negotiate and work hard towards starting the season on time.”
MLB didn’t provide many details on how to obtain a refund, but one can presume it will be a similar process from when 2020 Spring Training games were canceled due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.
Fans who purchased tickets through Camelback Ranch or Dodgers.com were automatically refunded to the credit card originally used. That included single-game tickets, season ticket packages and groups or suites.
Meanwhile, any customers who purchased tickets at Camelback Ranch with cash were required to complete a “Refund Form for Cash Payments” document. The completed form had to be submitted, along with the physical game tickets, and mailed to Camelback Ranch Tickets via US mail to receive a refund check.
Fans who bought tickets from other sources and third-party vendors (StubHub, Vivid Seats, etc.) were asked to direct refund requests through the original point of purchase.
Turner, Bellinger believe they can navigate shortened Spring Training
With the start of Spring Training officially postponed, Justin Turner is confident he can make do as long as it doesn’t impact the regular season.
“I’m hoping we can hold out for a full regular season and maybe a little bit of a shortened Spring Training,” he said. “Honestly, I’m not going to complain about a short Spring Training, but hoping for a full 162 (games).”
Taking a similar stance to Turner, Cody Bellinger also is of the mind that he would not need the prototypical length of Spring Training.
“I’ve always thought spring was a little too long. Position-player wise, different than a pitcher, I would imagine,” he said during an appearance at the Justin Turner Golf Classic.
“I don’t know how pitchers do it, especially if you’re in the East Coast and it’s cold outside. Personally, I’d say a month. A little less than a month. Like I said, working out in Arizona you’re able to face guys, see some bullpens.”
Have you subscribed to the Dodger Blue YouTube channel? Be sure to ring the notification bell to watch player interviews, participate in shows and giveaways, and stay up to date on all Dodgers news and rumors!
