Let’s Play Ball!

Photo: startribune.com

After MLB spring training was suspended March 12 because of COVID-19, the 2020 MLB season is set to return on July 23 or 24! After VERY disappointing negotiations between MLB and the Players’ Association, in which the two sides couldn’t even come to an agreement for the 2020 season, MLB owners voted unanimously to implement a 60-game season, without fans, for 2020.

These tense negotiations shouldn’t have been necessary in the first place. Other than the virus (which could still threaten this season), the main thing keeping MLB from returning seemed to be the issue of money. The players and owners (who make millions and billions of dollars) arguing over money, especially during a global pandemic, is super greedy!! The fact that the two sides couldn’t come to an agreement is a bad sign for baseball’s long-term future.

But a baseball season, even a short one, is a lot better than no season! To limit travel, each team will play only teams in the same region. So, the Twins will play teams from the NL Central (Cubs, Brewers, Cardinals, Pirates, Reds) and AL Central (Indians, White Sox, Royals, and Tigers) divisions. The players will report to training camp at their home ballparks by July 1. There will be some rule changes, such as having the designated hitter in both leagues and putting a runner on second base at the start of each extra inning during the regular season. Click here for more on the 2020 season.

Now that MLB and the Players’ Association has finally stopped fighting (for now at least), and although this season will be far from perfect, it’s time to play ball and get ready for the return of the “Bomba Squad!”

Written by: Sam Graves