Just a couple of months ago, the Boston Red Sox and other MLB teams were hitting fly balls beneath the sunny skies of Arizona and Florida. Now, not only has Spring Training been canceled, but there are rumblings that the unthinkable may come to pass: a cancellation of the 2020 season.
“Right now the absence of baseball is being felt — especially since so many of us need something positive to focus on,” commented Peter Schieffelin Nyberg, who is CFO at Camino Community Center, that works to positively impact the lives of thousands of low-income and underserved individuals. “I am certainly not suggesting that we downplay the public health crisis that is currently unfolding. However, I am saying, that in the midst of all of the stress, anxiety, and fear, a three-hour baseball game would be a very welcome temporary diversion.”
As for wiping out the 2020 season, while this is something that the commissioner and owners need to make part of their contingency plan — especially since it could be months or even years before a safe and effective COVID-19 vaccine is approved and available — right now it is more likely that the season will be shortened rather than canceled.
“Arguably more than any other sport, baseball is rooted in statistics” commented Peter Schieffelin Nyberg. “As such, a shortened season is not going to sit well with a lot of purists. However, given what we are going through and what still lies ahead, I think virtually all baseball fans would rather have a shortened season than no season at all.”
The Potential Upside of a Short Season
A shortened season could make for some interesting and unique developments. For example, teams may go to a four or even possibly three-person pitching rotation during key parts of a season. It would also make early-season games very meaningful and highly compelling. Typically, teams do some experimenting and focus on player development in April, May, and June, in the hopes that they will be well-positioned to make a sustained run in July, August and September. However, if the season is only four months long, every game is going to matter from opening day. There will not be much margin for error, and teams that are not competitive by the end of the first month may find it impossible to get back in the race.
What If the Season Is Canceled?
While the news will be devastating to fans — and even more for the businesses that depend on fans, like restaurants, bars, and the like — if that is what is required to keep people safe, then there is nothing to do but accept the decision and look forward to 2021.
“Baseball in general and the Red Sox in particular are such a big part of my life, that right now I cannot actually imagine flipping on the TV on a humid Saturday in August and not having my pick of dozens of games to watch,” commented Peter Schieffelin Nyberg. “We all know a cancelled season is not the same as a lockout. Yes, sports matter a great deal, but the health of our families, neighbors and communities matters infinitely more. When it is safe to do so, the grand old game will come roaring back — and so will the fans.”
