Open Letter About Friday's Rain Delay From SeaWolves President Greg Coleman

On Friday, June 30, I made a decision to delay the start of the SeaWolves' game against the Altoona Curve. I regret that the delay proved to be unnecessary as weather conditions we were monitoring had minimal impact on downtown Erie.
When weather concerns arise, our management team relies upon multiple weather apps and advice from experienced meteorologists. Both the apps and the meteorologists expected rain to commence within 20-25 minutes after the scheduled game time. Based on this information, I made a decision to delay the start of the game.
With limited exceptions, the decision to start a game belongs to the President or General Manager of the home team. Once the game begins, the decision to continue play rests with the chief umpire.
Any decision to delay or postpone a game has many considerations. Each scenario is different and may affect the fans, players, and stadium operation in different ways. On Friday, seemingly strong information indicated that we would complete little more than an inning before we would enter a delay. Under these circumstances, most baseball operations personnel (coaches, players, and Major League player development staff) would prefer not to start a game as a delay of 30 minutes or more would likely restrict the starting pitcher's availability to pitch again that day.
A decision to play in inclement or uncertain conditions that later results in a shortened start (by the scheduled pitcher) is known as "burning" a starter. From a player development standpoint, it's considered one of the worst mistakes someone in my role can make. It can negatively affect the pitching staffs of both teams for several days, and it can impact team performance as a result.
The decision to delay Friday's game was made at approximately 6:45 PM, just prior to both starting pitchers entering their pre-game throwing routine. At that time, the information available indicated that "burning" both starters was both possible and likely. That information proved to be incorrect, and the meteorologists advising us later acknowledged that they were unable to predict the specific conditions that ultimately occurred.
Just before 8 PM, we made a decision to cover the field in anticipation of moderate rain entering the area. With knowledge that the delay could prove to be an extended one (or might postpone the game entirely), we announced that tickets from Friday's game would be treated as valid rainchecks regardless of whether or not we were able to play ball on Friday night.
At approximately 8:30 PM, we received updated information that no rain capable of stopping play would be entering downtown Erie area for at least two hours. At that time, we decided to move forward and play at 9 PM in hopes that we could complete enough innings for an official game (4 ½ innings if the home team is leading). Intermittent showers occurred during the game as expected, but we were able to complete the entire 9-inning game.
With the information we have now, we certainly would have started Friday's game at 7:05 PM. However, my decision was based on the best information available at the time. Players, coaches, and fans view delays and postponements from different perspectives. At times, these interests are not aligned; the decision that is best for player development may not be as favorable for the fan experience and vice versa. It's a balancing act, and it's a responsibility I take very seriously. I want to see our players make the big leagues and I want to see our fans having fun at the ballpark again and again.
To those who were at the ballpark on Friday, I apologize for your experience and I thank you for your support. For those who stayed until after midnight to see the SeaWolves win 8-1, thank you for your fortitude. I hope this letter offers some insight into why and how the decision was made. I also hope you redeem your ticket from Friday's game for another 2017 home game. The 2017 season has proven to be one of the most challenging weather-wise in team history, and we would appreciate your support as we work towards a spot in the Eastern League playoffs.
Sincerely,
Greg Coleman
President, Erie SeaWolves