The violent protests in Baltimore following the funeral of 25-year-old Freddie Gray, who was arrested on April 12 and died in police custody a week later after suffering a spinal cord injury, have forced the Orioles to postpone their Monday night game against the Chicago White Sox.
According to Brittany Ghiroli of MLB.com, "the team made the announcement on their JumboTron after consultation with the Baltimore City Police Department." All but two gates were closed at Camden Yards as the protests moved to downtown Baltimore.
The same occurred during last night's game, and fans were not permitted to leave Camden Yards until 30 minutes after the game because of an "ongoing public safety issue," according to the Baltimore Sun. The protests have gotten worse following Gray's funeral on Monday, which has resulted in 12 arrests and at least seven injured police officers.
Protesters looted and set aflame to a CVS pharmacy in addition to hurling rocks and bricks at police officers. A number of other businesses were looted and law enforcement vehicles were destroyed as schools, businesses and train stations were shut down in the city. The Orioles game soon followed after Camden Yards was shut down about two hours ago.
MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred told Steve Melewski of MASNSports.com "it's possible these games could be played elsewhere." Perhaps Nationals Park could be an option as the Nats are down in Atlanta for a series against the division-rival Braves.
In the midst of the chaos, Orioles' executive vice president John Angelos advocated for nonviolence, due process and consideration for "poor Americans in Baltimore and everywhere who don't have jobs and are losing economic, civil and legal rights." He also said this situation "makes inconvenience at a ball game irrelevant in light of the needless suffering government is inflicting upon ordinary Americans," in a series of tweets.
The Orioles, via the team's Twitter account, said a make-up date would be announced as soon as possible and fans are encouraged to hold onto their tickets and parking passes until more information is provided.
