As Major League Baseball and the world as a whole continue to navigate the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, one scenario that generated passionate responses was a plan to at least begin the 2020 season in Arizona.
Under the possibility reportedly discussed between MLB and the MLB Players Association, games would be played at Chase Field in addition to upwards of 10 Spring Training facilities. Players, coaches, and stadium and hotel employees, among others, would be quarantined in the area.
The arrangement would potentially lend to MLB beginning the 2020 regular season at some point in May. Though, that presumably would only hold true if the next month-plus produced an all-encompassing best-case scenario with the virus.
While reports of the Arizona plan stirred plenty of feedback and is the first substantial indication of what may lie ahead, MLB and the MLBPA aren’t yet deep into the planning for it, according to Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic:
But one official described the idea as still in the “concept stage,” adding baseball is reluctant to move quickly. The union, too, is hesitant to offer a premature endorsement, wanting more information on logistics and details, sources said.
Early indications are the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and National Institute of Health support MLB’s idea. Though, the league made certain to clarify its stance.
“MLB has been actively considering numerous contingency plans that would allow play to commence once the public health situation has improved to the point that it is safe to do so,” their statement read.
“While we have discussed the idea of staging games at one location as one potential option, we have not settled on that option or developed a detailed plan. While we continue to interact regularly with governmental and public health officials, we have not sought or received approval of any plan from federal, state and local officials, or the Players Association.
“The health and safety of our employees, players, fans and the public at large are paramount, and we are not ready at this time to endorse any particular format for staging games in light of the rapidly changing public health situation caused by the coronavirus.”
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