MLB’s Opening Day won’t occur until summer due to Coronavirus

As the sports world sits dormant because of the coronavirus pandemic, baseball will be without activity for the foreseeable future.

MLB’s Opening Day Won’t Happen Until This Summer

Statement from Major League Baseball: pic.twitter.com/E5xPfMGOc0

— MLB (@MLB) March 16, 2020

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention made the announcement on Sunday night. The CDC recommends that all events with over 50 people be postponed or canceled for the next eight weeks.

Eight weeks from now, we will be nearing the middle of May. MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred says the season will be pushed back to at least mid-May in accordance with the CDC.

“MLB will keep fans updated on decisions regarding plans for the 2020 schedule in the days and weeks ahead, a statement by the MLB said on Monday. “The Clubs remain committed to playing as many games as possible when the season begins.  We will continue to monitor ongoing events and undertake the precautions and best practices recommended by public health experts, and urge all baseball fans to follow suit.”

Despite the unprecedented change to the calendar, Manfred hopes the MLB can play the entire 162-game schedule.

Teams Are Coming Together to Help Those In Need

All 30 MLB teams pledge $1 million each to support ballpark employees https://t.co/MzpZiriQjh pic.twitter.com/nGiy9t0b57

— Orlando Sentinel (@orlandosentinel) March 17, 2020

With the two-month suspension of play comes lots of lost revenue for the league. Most importantly, however, those who make gamedays at the ballpark possible will be the ones hurting the most.

“Over the past 48 hours, I have been approached by representatives of all 30 clubs to help assist the thousands of ballpark employees affected by the delay,” Manfred said in a statement. “Motivated by desire to help some of the most valuable members of the baseball community, each club has committed $1 million.”

Many of the gameday operations personnel gets compensation on a game-by-game basis. The projected $30 million dollars combined from all 30 baseball teams will help immensely for those who’ll struggle because of the lack of games.

Without the commitment from these employees, MLB baseball would cease to exist. These people continuing to be taken care of is huge for when the sport begins operation once again.