Team Postpones Triple-A Fame After Losing the Smell of Victory

The Rochester Red Wings of the triple-A International League postponed Monday night’s game against Tidewater after a chemical spill at a nearby plant.

About 700 gallons of acetic acid spilled from a tank at Dupont Chemical at about 11:30 a.m., company spokeswoman Nancy Krug said. Acetic acid, found in vinegar, is used in developers and fixers for photographic film.

An industrial hygienist from the company sampled the air within the plant and in the neighborhood and found no acid fumes, she said. City fire officials confirmed there was no health threat and said the cleanup was continuing.

However, former major leaguer Joe Altobelli, Red Wing general manager, said that he got a headache and a “funny taste” in his mouth when he walked through nearby Silver Stadium. He asked Dupont officials if the acid could cause any health problems, and said he was told that fans with weak stomachs might feel sick.

“I don’t know if we get strong-stomach fans or weak-stomach fans,” he said.