Danielle Solzman
Following an outbreak on the Miami Marlins and positive tests for other teams, Major League Baseball needs to show leadership and shut the season down.
What we need right now is leadership from MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred. We’re not seeing leadership at all. Going into the start of the season, it wasn’t even sure if the season would happen. And now, it’s looking like the season should be shut down.
You’re probably wondering why I’m writing about baseball when this is a site for film and television commentary. The fact of the matter is that I used to be an editor on Fansided’s Redbird Rants where I covered the St. Louis Cardinals. I love baseball. I also love my Kentucky Wildcats. However, I’m a realist and had words to say especially when I learned that the Cardinals had staff members testing positive.
I feel for all the beat writers covering baseball on a daily basis. This is their livelihood and I also know the impact that newsrooms are taking on a daily basis right now. Advertising revenue is down across the boards so subscriptions are especially important. Take away baseball or other sports and there isn’t much to cover.
Look at how many people didn’t listen to the rules. Even with the protocols in place and mask mandates in select cities and states, how many are wearing masks? How many players, coaches, and umpires aren’t wearing masks when they cannot social distance?
Listen, MLB gave it a go this year but the reality is that we should not be playing sports during a pandemic. The Miami Marlins showed the most foolish activity of all by playing against the Philadelphia Phillies after players tested positive over the weekend. What was originally a few positive tests would turn into almost half the active roster. This also would affect other teams on the schedule. The New York Yankees and Baltimore Orioles couldn’t play against the Phillies and Yankees, respectively. Again, MLB tried but it clearly didn’t work. With the way things are going, it isn’t going to work. I hate to say it but I feel that there will be more outbreaks.
The NBA may have some hope because they are playing in a bubble. However, just because you’re playing in a bubble doesn’t mean you should be violating a protocol. The best thing you can do to curb the spread of Covid-19 is to not wear a mask.
Where baseball differs from the NBA is the lack of a bubble. Are families staying home in quarantine? Contract tracing is so important and again, we know that children can pick up the virus and spread it to others. The other thing to factor in is the different rules in place for each state.
It isn’t a good idea to be playing sports in general this year. Money talks but it especially isn’t a good idea during a pandemic. Major League Baseball needs to shut it down this year. Wait until there is a vaccine in place because the virus can have long-term consequences. This is a virus that I do not wish on anyone, not even my enemies. The NFL is a close contact sport. They bring in more dollars to the networks and I highly doubt they will be able to play after what they see in baseball.
