NEWARK, N.J. (AP) — A New Jersey official says Newark nearly got to host the Yankees’ top minor-league team for 2012 — but the deal was blocked by the Mets.
The team needs a temporary home while its regular one, PNC Field in Scranton, Pa., is repaired.
Essex County Executive Joseph DiVincenzo says Yankees officials contacted him last month about playing in Eagles & Bears Riverfront Stadium, which is owned by the City of Newark and Essex County.
DiVincenzo says the Mets invoked territorial rights to halt the deal. The drama was first reported by The Star-Ledger.
The top elected official in Essex County says he’s disappointed because a residency by the Class AAA team could have boosted the local economy and given more kids a chance to see future Yankees play in person.
