The MLB’s Response to Coronavirus

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Written by Maggie Potter

This year will undoubtedly go down in history, thanks to the global pandemic caused by COVID-19. As of March 20, 2020, 45 states within the country had closed all of their schools due to the coronavirus. Thousands of people are working remotely, while many others have found themselves out of a job. Restaurants and small businesses have closed. The NBA and NHL canceled the remainder of their seasons.

Needless to say, this is a virus that has impacted the world in so many unforgettable ways.

The MLB’s response to COVID-19 has been no different. Opening day for the league was scheduled for March 26, 2020. It was to be a historic one, with all 30 teams playing on that day for the third year in a row. However, due to the pandemic, Major League Baseball decided to postpone its regular season, with the new opening day yet to be determined.

While this is obviously a huge disappointment for baseball fans who wait for this day every spring, fans can take some comfort and pride in the league, knowing it is making its best efforts to keep fans and players safe.

A League on Board With Change

The MLB released an official statement on its website about the decision to postpone the season even further, and also took the opportunity to inform fans who might be disappointed in the delay just how the coronavirus is contracted. Their list includes person-to-person contact as well as surfaces and objects. Obviously, MLB games are known for being crowded, and there are plenty of surfaces for people to touch unknowingly without thinking about getting sick.

In addition to informing fans how the virus spreads, the MLB also has given some tips on how people can protect themselves:

• Avoid touching your face
• Practice social distancing
• Keep surfaces clean
• Stay home

It’s clear that the league is taking this virus seriously and cares about the well being of baseball fans. But that shouldn’t come as a surprise to anyone who closely follows the MLB. In recent years, the league has been a leader in the sports industry when it comes to sustainability efforts. That includes things like introducing water conservation programs and donating thousands of dollars to recycling initiatives. Not only has the league tried to make it obvious how much they care about fans, staff, and players, but how much they care about the future of baseball and the planet.

How Will This Impact the Season, Players, and Employees?

There hasn’t been a concrete date set yet for the new season to officially begin. Unfortunately, that puts thousands of people out of a job, including minor league players. This leaves many employees wondering what their rights are as this pandemic continues.

Thankfully, the league has “stepped up to the plate” by agreeing to pay minor leaguers $400 per week through the end of May. The teams within the league have also stepped up and pledged $30 million to assist the thousands of ballpark employees around the country who are currently out of a job until further notice.

As far as the season itself, it’s impossible for things not to be impacted by the delay and the disease. Players and staff often have to travel all over the world for press, endorsements, and other activities. Because of the current state of things, that might not be a possibility for quite some time as some countries, like New Zealand, have implemented severe restrictions on visitors. The U.S. currently has border restrictions in place, too, so fans who may want to come in from other countries to see a game could find themselves out of luck for a while.

In the unfortunate event that the season ends up getting canceled for the year, certain teams will suffer even more than others thanks to contracts, free agents, and loss of revenues.

#OpeningDayatHome

The league has always made health and safety a top priority. Even in little league, players are taught the importance of nutrition, hydration, and injury prevention. So, it should come as no surprise that they’re taking the health and safety of players, fans, and staff just as seriously now.

In response to COVID-19 and the delay of opening day, the MLB launched the #OpeningDayatHome campaign. It was designed to provide resources to fans, but it brought baseball fans all over the country together by showing how they’re playing and connecting at home while staying healthy and safe.

So, while the idea of a delayed season — or even a canceled one — is a huge disappointment to baseball fans all over the globe, the MLB has shown great character and grit in taking the right steps toward keeping everyone healthy and protected from this disease during uncertain times.

We can look forward to baseball again, whether it’s this season or next, knowing that the league and teams we love have been doing everything they can to keep everyone involved as safe as possible during this pandemic.