So, I’ve had my fun today with a couple April Fools jokes. Most of you (around 95%) took them as the joke they were, the others, well…
Now, and it was something I considered when writing the jokes, I actually have news to share. It appears that Major League Baseball is considering a 100-game regular season which would start July 1st and end October 15th.
From a well informed source that does business with multiple MLB execs: The 100 game season being discussed would include eliminating the All Star game in Los Angeles, but would deliver a neutral field warm-weather World Series at Dodger Stadium as compensation. (1/2)
— M@ (@MattSpiegel670) April 1, 2020
Now, eliminating the All Star game is the least of anyone’s worries right now. But, I do like that MLB is understanding of the loss of revenue the city would realize and are providing LA with the World Series. It provides that revenue to the city and it creates what several have always asked for – a neutral site in warm weather for the World Series.
But what if the Dodgers were to make the World Series? They got you covered.
The 100 game season being discussed would begin July 1, eventually pick up the post All-Star game schedule, & conclude October 15th. If the Dodgers made the WS, “road games” would take place in Anaheim or San Diego. Obviously, many questions remain, & talks are fluid. (2/2)
— M@ (@MattSpiegel670) April 1, 2020
It is important to note, this also helps MLB as if they were to start as late as July and run through mid-October, World Series games will likely be played in November.
This scenario assumes that ALCS and NLCS would take place wherever qualifying teams play, not at a neutral warm or domed ballpark. An obvious risk for series’ that could end as late as November 3rd.
— M@ (@MattSpiegel670) April 1, 2020
We have to understand that baseball will not come back until certain criteria have been met. Travel needs to be deemed safe, there are no bans for larger gatherings, medical experts determine gatherings do not pose a health risk.
Of course, there are much bigger and more important worries in the world. But baseball has always been a part of the healing process in America. Baseball has been there to help heal after war. They were there to help after 9/11. Baseball has been the medicine our nation has turned to throughout the years to recover, and I assume it will be again.
Regardless of how you felt about George W. Bush, there was a strong feeling of pride when you saw him take the mound in Yankee Stadium in Game 3 of the World Series in 2001. It wasn’t because it was the World Series. It wasn’t because it was the Yankees. It was because of what our nation endured and how we came together, and the message of, we will never allow anything to pull us apart as a people and a nation.
