While there are no set dates yet, at least there are terms on when the National Pastime will return. According to the league and the player’s union, here are the set return guidelines they will use.
- No bans on limiting mass gatherings that will limit the ability to play in front of fans*
- No travel restrictions
- Medical experts determine games will not pose risk of health – for players and fans alike
Baseball understands that they are part of the healing process, they always have been a part of our nation’s healing. Whether it was wartime or 9/11, the country has always taken comfort in the game of baseball. With baseball being a global sport now, and the reach of MLB touching nearly every country, this marks the first time that baseball might play a role in healing the entire world. So getting the return right is so incredibly important right now.
Part of getting this right is also ensuring that when they return, it is in front of a live crowd. MLB and the MLBPA want to ensure that they return to a filled stadium. So the idea of playing games with no one in attendance was taken off the table. Not only does America’s game heal the fans, but this will also play a role in healing the players. They have been off and living in the same, shared limbo world we all have lived in. Whether the most cynical of us believe it or not, we have the opportunity to help the players we root for return to normalcy once this epidemic is over.
Keep washing your hands, practice social distancing, and make sure to call a doctor if you are feeling sick. We all play a role in hearing “PLAY BALL” sooner, rather than later.
