The Los Angeles Dodgers and all Major League Baseball teams pledged a $1 million donation to stadium employees who remain out of work due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic delaying Opening Day of the 2020 season.
“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 in the start of the Major League Baseball season,” commissioner Rob Manfred said in a statement.
“Motivated by a desire to help some of the most valuable members of the baseball community, each Club has committed $1 million. The individual clubs will be announcing more details surrounding this support effort in their local communities.
“The timing of these announcements will vary because of the need to coordinate with state and local laws as well as collective bargaining obligations in an effort to maximize the benefits realized by each group of employees. I am proud that our clubs came together so quickly and uniformly to support these individuals who provide so much to the game we love.”
When MLB first delayed the start of the 2020 season, the idea of Opening Day being held April 9 was considered a best-case scenario. The possibility has since been eliminated with MLB pushing back the start to the middle of May.
It was in response to the updated recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) that events of more than 50 people be cancelled for the next eight weeks. As a result, Opening Day was pushed back even further.
“MLB will keep fans updated on decisions regarding plans for the 2020 schedule in the days and weeks ahead,” a portion of the league’s statement read. 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. MLB extends its best wishes to all the individuals and communities who have been impacted by the coronavirus.”
MLB and the MLB Players Association previously donated $1 million to help fight hunger as a result of school closures and quarantines stemming from the coronavirus pandemic. The donation was split evenly among Feeding America and Meals on Wheels America.
Next is determining a plan for Minor League players, though the Dodgers are among the teams still paying Spring Training allowances and stipends.
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