First an earthquake, now an eclipse. Yankees to play ball on same day as another natural phenomenon

Associated Press
Sunday, April 7, 2024 1:27 p.m. | Sunday, April 7, 2024 1:27 p.m.

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A giant American flag is unfurled before the start of the home-opener baseball game at Yankee Stadium between the New York Yankees and the Toronto Blue Jays, on Friday, in New York.

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Fans line up to enter Yankee Stadium before the home opener baseball game against the Toronto Blue Jays on Friday, in New York.

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Trevor Petrowsky waits in line to enter Yankee Stadium in New York before the home opener baseball game between the New York Yankees and Toronto Blue Jays, on Friday.

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New York Yankees’ Alex Verdugo reacts after flying out for the last out of the baseball game against the Toronto Blue Jays at Yankee Stadium on Friday, in New York. The Blue Jays defeated the Yankees, 3-0.

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New York Yankees pitcher Marcus Stroman reacts after an out during the sixth inning of a baseball game against the Toronto Blue Jays at Yankee Stadium in New York, on Friday.

NEW YORK — A 4.8 magnitude earthquake shook New York City on Friday as the Yankees went through batting practice before their home opener.

Three days later, the Yankees will play after another natural phenomenon. At least this one will be expected.

A solar eclipse is forecast to occur Monday afternoon, with parts of upstate New York in its path of totality.

The Yankees host the Marlins at 6:05 p.m. in a game that was pushed back four hours because of the potential for delays. The first 15,000 fans to arrive will receive a Yankees solar eclipse T-shirt.

Manager Aaron Boone was unsure Sunday whether the Yankees would alter their pregame routine for the eclipse.

“Not yet, but certainly, we’ll be advised if we need to alter things, but nothing as of now,” Boone said.

The Yankees typically take batting practice about two and a half hours before the first pitch for home games.

The last total solar eclipse was Aug. 21, 2017, when Boone was broadcasting the Little League World Series for ESPN in Williamsport, Pennsylvania.

“I remember there at the Little League World Series and I had the glasses,” Boone said. “It was definitely interesting.”