MLB won’t allow fans in the stadium on opening day and throughout the season, which will may affect the game on the field.
(CBS New York) — The MLB season starts July 23 with an East Coast-West Coast doubleheader. The first game will feature the American League’s leading contender, the New York Yankees, against the World Series champion Nationals in Washington, DC. The second game has the San Francisco Giants heading south to Los Angeles, where they’ll meet the Dodgers, the National League favorite. Baseball opening day, four months after it was originally scheduled, brings a welcome distraction from the ongoing stress and turmoil. The sport’s return also marks another step toward normalcy in some parts of the country, or at least a nod in that direction, for those parts facing a step back. It wasn’t at all assured that we’d even reach this point. Two weeks ago, CBS San Francisco sports director Dennis O’Donnell asked, “Is baseball even going to be able to start the season?” The answer then wasn’t an obvious “yes.” Oakland A’s and Giants practices had been recently affected. As opening day draws closer, and MLB continues to work through coronavirus testing issues, the season still isn’t assured. But its start is more likely. “My concern, and you look across the league and other team sports, it’s not as easy as the PGA (Tour) or NASCAR, individual sports, says O’Donnell. “Team sports are different. My concern is can we get past this. Can baseball actually pull it off, along with the NFL and the NBA? I have questions.” Once the games start, can they continue? The success of the PGA Tour’s return is a positive sign, but it’s not an assurance. Only time can really answer the question. MLB has developed a comprehensive plan for the season and how games will be played.
