AggieJohn
10-18-2004, 12:15 AM
HOUSTON (AP) -- Despite sunny skies, it was a closed issue at Minute Maid Park -- the retractable roof was shut for Games 3 and 4 of the NL championship series.
The plan is to keep it open, however, on Monday night for Game 5 between the St. Louis Cardinals and Houston Astros.
Managers Tony La Russa of St. Louis and Phil Garner of Houston, team executives and television officials were consulted about the decision. Astros owner Drayton McLane was worried about temperatures in the 80s affecting fans while TV was concerned about shadows.
``We didn't want it to affect the play,'' said Bob Watson, baseball's vice president of on-field operations.
Some players believe the ball flies farther when the roof is open.
In 2002, the Arizona Diamondbacks let starting pitchers decide what to do with the retractable roof at Bank One Ballpark, a decision made after Curt Schilling was sure he gave up more long balls with it open. The policy was rolled back after fans complained
The plan is to keep it open, however, on Monday night for Game 5 between the St. Louis Cardinals and Houston Astros.
Managers Tony La Russa of St. Louis and Phil Garner of Houston, team executives and television officials were consulted about the decision. Astros owner Drayton McLane was worried about temperatures in the 80s affecting fans while TV was concerned about shadows.
``We didn't want it to affect the play,'' said Bob Watson, baseball's vice president of on-field operations.
Some players believe the ball flies farther when the roof is open.
In 2002, the Arizona Diamondbacks let starting pitchers decide what to do with the retractable roof at Bank One Ballpark, a decision made after Curt Schilling was sure he gave up more long balls with it open. The policy was rolled back after fans complained