As time has gone by it has become increasingly clear that the 2020 Major League Baseball season will be started without fans permitted to attend, and likely won’t have games this year that draw any fans, due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.
While that has caused some financial disagreements between the owners and Players Association, it seems that both sides are still committed to getting some sort of season in. It was recently reported that MLB is in the process of sending a new economic proposal for the 2020 season to the MLBPA.
It’s no secret that the 2020 season is going to be an unconventional one, with teams either playing at their empty home stadiums or Spring Training facilities and the regular season potentially only being 82 games.
That will be a big change for the Los Angeles Dodgers, who consistently sell out games at Dodger Stadium and lead the league in home attendance year in and year out.
Although it’s not his preference, Kenley Jansen is OK with the possibility of playing games without fans, as he is focused on returning to the field in whatever way possible, as seen on SportsNet LA:
“Let me tell you, you appreciate stuff more now. I think for me is just stepping in Dodger Stadium period is going to give me adrenaline, get me going. Being at home is tough. Energy-wise, it might be weird, but for me the adrenaline is going to be there because when you’re craving baseball this long and you want to be out there playing, I’m ready. You’ve got to tough it out and give the people what they want.”
As the closer of the Dodgers that typically comes out to the song “California Love,” Jansen feeds off the home crowd perhaps more than any other player on the team.
Some other players on the team have echoed his thoughts as Justin Turner said it will be ‘weird’ playing in empty stadiums although he remains committed to doing so if that’s what it takes.
While it certainly will be a different season than usual, the Dodgers’ goal of winning the World Series in 2020 remains the same, and nothing will change that. When baseball will begin remains to be seen, but Andrew Friedman has made it clear that his team will be ready whenever they get the call to return to the field.
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