Hurricane Milton: Yankees' spring training headquarters in Tampa is in storm’s path

KANSAS CITY, Mo. - Ahead of Hurricane Milton, with the Yankees' spring training and minor league headquarters in its path, the Yankees took steps ensure the safety of players, staff and employees.

"We shut down our instructional leagues a few days ago, got our alternate site out of there as well,'' Yankees general manager Brian Cashman said of moves that occurred Monday.

By Wednesday evening, Milton's devastating impact on the Tampa Bay area was being felt, which included tearing a portion of the roof off Tropicana Field, home of the Tampa Bay Rays, in St. Petersburg.

Several Yankees executives and players, including captain Aaron Judge, have homes in the Tampa area, and "everyone knows how bad this thing is supposed to be,'' said Cashman, speaking here before AL Division Series Game 3.

"(Hopefully), the damage is minimal, but that’s probably not going to be the case.''

As of Thursday, the Yankees reported some damage to their minor league complex across the street from Steinbrenner Field, including a batter's eye and foul poles knocked down.

Steinbrenner Field, the Yankees' spring training home, was being utilized as a shelter for Tampa-based organizational employees and their families.

"It's an uncertain time,'' said Yankees manager Aaron Boone. "Just have to pray for the best and hope for the safety'' of those in the storm's destructive path.

This article originally appeared on NorthJersey.com: Hurricane Milton: Yankees' spring training headquarters in Tampa is in storm’s path