Los Angeles Dodgers: Too Soon to Return?

The pandemic has left a lot of sports fans feeling uneasy. When will the season resume/start? Will sporting events be pushed to 2021? Many questions with little to no answers. This is something that no one could’ve anticipated. Things are being handled accordingly with each states’ government. In the state of California, Governor Gavin Newsom has shut down all sporting events until further notice. Leaving the NHL to cut their season short and the very real possibility that neither the Los Angeles Dodgers nor Angels ever touch the field. 

Those fans who have purchased season tickets are wary about the status of their purchase. Teams are figuring out the situation in regard to refunds or exchanges. A Los Angeles Dodgers representative spoke out earlier this week to concerned fans about tickets.

Fans who have purchased season tickets, single-game tickets will have the option to either receive a full refund or credit for unplayed games. Fans are to call to speak to a ticket representative to select an option. If no action is taken, those Dodger ticket holders will receive a 10% bonus to use in the stadium including extra discounts on the infamous Dodger Dogs and in-store purchases during the next playing season. 

The MLB has thrown an idea involving the season starting but with a twist. The stands in the stadiums would be empty. The six-foot social distancing requirement would still be in place out in the field. Players would have very little contact. Some teams were on board while some players said it’d be too soon. Players are unsure of the MLB decision to start the new season without full clearance from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention. 

Dodgers’ Clayton Kershaw made a statement in regards to the idea of a return to baseball this season. According to Dodgerblue.com Kershaw said,

We all want to play baseball. I get that; I want to play baseball too. But there is something about being in the big leagues and you can’t compromise that. Playing in spring training stadiums and quarantining for months without your family and certain thinks like that, I don’t think that’s doable if you’re talking about doing it for four to five months. You just lose the product on the field because guys aren’t in their natural element. We’re all ready to take drastic measures to make this season happen, but there’s also certain things that will affect the product on the field, and that’s what you have to be careful about.

Kershaw when asked about playing on Spring Training fields

Though times are tough, there are many sports organizations that are making a difference.

Team LA is doing its part in the fight against COVID-19. You can help by donating or purchasing deeply discounted items from your favorite Los Angeles teams. Team LA has game-used jerseys and other sports memorabilia. Find Lakers, Kings, and Dodgers items plus more! All proceeds from the Team for LA website will go to the Mayor’s Fund for Los Angeles. For much more, visit teamlastore.com.