Certain states, such as Georgia, Arizona, and Florida, have started to reopen up for business. Other states including California and New York still believe that it’s too early to even think about returning back to normal. All states can agree that they want a safe return to life before COVID-19, including an MLB season, albeit shorter than usual.
The question then that stands for sports to return is, “How can we make it safe for all players, families, and staff that would be involved?”. On Monday, May 11th the AHL, American Hockey League, made the official decision to cancel the rest of its season due to COVID-19. For other professional sports organizations whose seasons were cut short, the idea of trying to find a way to bring them back is still a huge topic of conversation.
It was not only the AHL that made headlines. Major League Baseball owners came out with big news. They have agreed upon a proposal on how they would like to proceed with the season. Having to cut spring training short by a couple of weeks, team rosters were still in the works. Who would make it the final roster for the 2020 season is still an open question for some teams.
The proposal included: spring training starting mid-June, an 82-game regular season beginning in mid-July played at home stadiums, divisional & regional opponent games only, a designated hitter for both the American & National Leagues. Rosters would expand to 30 men. That would include an extra 20 men from minor league & prospects. Playoffs would go from 10 to 14 teams including extra wild card positions. There would be no fans in the stands, and the biggest piece of all is a 50/50 revenue split.
Before we get too excited for baseball’s return, it still has to be agreed upon by the players. However, telling players that they will only be making 50% of their salary probably won’t sit well. Baseball is a game with no salary cap. Certain teams could lose more money than others due to such loss in revenue. Fans won’t be purchasing tickets and eating concession food in the stands. Owners believe this is good reasoning enough.
Unfortunately, players could lose out on more than just their paychecks. Players can only hope that MLB has a plan. That plan has to include how to make sure everyone is screened before interacting with others. Promises such as those can’t be made. Their ability to stay with certain family members during the 82 games (not including spring training) due to pre-existing conditions or age is a choice that will not be taken lightly.
Players were presented with the proposal on May 12 by MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred.
