Red Sox-Twins Game Postponed In Minneapolis After Daunte Wright Shooting
BOSTON (CBS) -- Monday afternoon's game between the Red Sox and Twins has been postponed.
The only early word on the postponement noted that the decision was not made due to weather. Within a half-hour, the Twins released a statement that said the game had been postponed "out of respect" for the fatal shooting that took place in Brooklyn Center -- 11 miles from Target Field -- on Sunday.
"Out of respect for the tragic events that occurred yesterday in Brooklyn Center, and following the additional details in this evolving situation, the Minnesota Twins have decided it is in the best interest of our fans, staff, players and community to not play today's game," the Twins' statement said. "The decision was made by the Minnesota Twins after consultation with Major League Baseball, and local and state officials."
The statement concluded: "The Minnesota Twins organization extends its sympathies to the family of Daunte Wright."
The decision was made very close to game time, with fans showing up to Target Field in Minneapolis. Many fans could be seen departing the ballpark around the time that first pitch was scheduled, at 1:05 p.m. local time, while others remained in their seat for some time after the postponement was made. Pitchers for both teams -- Martin Perez for Boston, and J.A. Happ for Minnesota -- were warming up in their respective bullpens prior to the game, and players were warming up on the field as well.
Red Sox manager Alex Cora was in the dugout preparing for the game when he was told of the postponement.
"It was one of those where everyone understood the decision. Now we're in the hotel and waiting from MLB and the Twins to find out what is next," Cora told reporters Monday afternoon.
The Red Sox and Twins are scheduled to play three more matinee games this week, but the Twins have not made any announcement on those games yet. Cora said that players will remain in the team hotel -- which is outside of the city -- Monday night.
The city of Minnesota has been on heightened alert for unrest in recent weeks, during the trial of former police officer Derek Chauvin for the murder of George Floyd. Tensions were escalated Sunday and Monday after 20-year-old Daunte Wright was fatally shot by a police officer during a traffic stop. The Brooklyn Center Police Department said Monday that the shooting was an accident, and that the officer meant to fire her Taser but instead fired her handgun.
The Red Sox were expecting some turmoil when they saw this trip on the calendar, knowing it would be around the time that officer Derek Chauvin, charged with murder in the killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis last May, would be on trial.
Cora said that the team has had discussions about Floyd's murder, and has a meeting scheduled Monday night to discuss this weekend's events in Brooklyn Center.
"Like I always said, the game is just a game. You have to treat it like it's your family and friends, and there are conversations you have to have. I didn't go through everything last year but I had to deal with it, talking to my daughter and my family," said Cora.
The NHL also postponed the game scheduled between the St. Louis Blues and Minnesota Wild in St. Paul, and the NBA postponed Monday night's game scheduled between the Timberwolves and Nets in Minneapolis.
