In another sign of how unprecedented the situation caused by the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic is, Memorial Day passed without a single Major League Baseball game played for the first time since 1880.
Although there has been plenty of optimism expressed, fact of the matter is MLB and the Players Association are facing rising tensions as they remain at odds over a financial plan, and they must agree to health and safety protocols.
MLB is expected to present a new economic proposal to the union on Tuesday, which is not believed to include a full revenue sharing arrangement. The MLBPA has maintained they would not agree to a 50-50 revenue split and are seeking prorated salaries that were part of a March agreement.
As the wait for baseball to return lingers on, retired Los Angeles Dodgers broadcaster Vin Scully shared some disappointment over the situation as he believes the sport could serve as a guide for the country, per Tom Verducci of Sports Illustrated:
“I just feel very sad,” Scully told me by telephone from his home in Southern California. “I’m not angry. I know people are trying to solve this issue.
“I think of baseball right now as a national thermometer. People are hoping for baseball because if baseball comes back it’s the first true sign that we are on the comeback trail. It’s our national thermometer.”
Scully previously shared a similar message at the end of March, explaining his belief baseball is capable of lifting spirits across the United States. That he would feel such passion and confidence in the sport of course is hardly a surprise.
Scully called Dodgers games for 67 seasons, joining the team on their move from Brooklyn to Los Angeles, witnessing 13 National League pennants and six World Series titles with the organization. He retired after the 2016 season and has thoroughly enjoyed life away from the broadcast booth.
Even when Scully fell earlier this year and was hospitalized, he remained in good spirits and had the keen sense to work in a baseball reference about the spill.
As for baseball, Monday represents the 60th day on the schedule without a game, which is the longest drought during a single season. That mark was previously held by the 1981 strike, which resulted in 58 lost days.
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