'A lot of folks care': St. Pete Mayor Ken Welch fires back at Donald Trump World Series comment
World Series security preps underway
St. Petersburg Mayor Ken Welch and Police Chief Anthony Holloway explain how the city is preparing to host the World Series next week.
ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. - St. Petersburg Mayor Ken Welch fired back Friday morning at President Donald Trump's claim that "nobody cares" about a World Series featuring the Tampa Bay Rays and Milwaukee Brewers.
Speaking at a news conference on World Series security, Welch emphasized that local fans are deeply invested in the team's championship run.
"A lot of folks care," Welch said Friday morning.
St. Petersburg mayor response
The backstory:
Trump made the comment Tuesday during a question-and-answer session with reporters in the Oval Office.
A reporter first asked Trump about the possibility of a Major League Baseball lockout after the current collective bargaining agreement expires in December. Trump said he believed a lockout would happen.
As the reporter followed up by noting that the Rays and Brewers reached the World Series despite operating with lower payrolls, Trump ended the exchange.
"Let's do it another time. Nobody cares," Trump said.
Welch responds to President Trump comment
What they're saying:
Welch appeared surprised when a reporter brought up Trump's remark during a Friday morning news conference about World Series security in St. Petersburg.
"Oh, a lot of folks care," Welch responded.
Welch pointed to the attention surrounding two smaller-market teams reaching the World Series and the excitement generated by the Rays' postseason run.
"I can tell you the folks in Tampa Bay care, the folks in St. Pete care," Welch said. "It's been 18 years, and you've seen what the Trop was like during the playoffs. I haven't seen that level of excitement in a long time here."
What's next:
The Rays are making their third World Series appearance and seeking their first championship.
Game 1 against Milwaukee is Friday night.
The Source: Information in this story comes from comments made by President Donald Trump during an Oval Office exchange Tuesday and St. Petersburg Mayor Ken Welch during a news conference attended by FOX 13 on Friday.