With players locked out, spring training stadiums are empty in Arizona and Florida

05:52

March 07, 2022

Peter O'Dowd

The Peoria Sports Complex is the spring training home of the San Diego Padres and Seattle Mariners. (Peter O'Dowd/Here & Now)

Normally stadiums in Arizona and Florida are buzzing with anticipation this time of year as Major League Baseball's spring training gets underway. But this year, they're silent.

An ongoing labor dispute has delayed the start of the season.

Here & Now's Peter O'Dowd speaks with Bridget Binsbacher, executive director of the Cactus League, from an empty stadium in Peoria, Arizona.

A labor dispute between Major League Baseball and the players’ union has upended this year’s spring training in Arizona and Florida. Bridget Binsbacher, head of Arizona’s Cactus League, says a shortened season will have significant economic impacts on the region. (Peter O'Dowd/Here & Now)

This segment aired on March 7, 2022.

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