The Los Angeles Dodgers formally announced a fund was established to provide financial assistance to Dodger Stadium employees that are being impacted by Major League Baseball delaying the start of the 2020 season due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.
“Nearly 4 million fans pass through our gates each year, and it wouldn’t be possible without the amazing service provided by our great gameday staff that makes the Dodger Stadium experience so special,” Dodgers president and CEO Stan Kasten said in a statement.
“These are challenging economic times, and we want to make sure that we support those in this committed group that may be having a particularly difficult time.”
MLB previously announced all 30 teams committed to each pledge $1 million toward a relief fund. MLB and the MLB Players Association additionally made a $1 million joint donation to Feeding America and Meals on Wheels America to help fight hunger as a result of school closures and quarantines stemming from the coronavirus.
The Dodgers are committed to our community, and have established a fund of at least $1 million for gameday staff most affected by the postponement of games at Dodger Stadium. pic.twitter.com/aujtma4YT3
— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) March 18, 2020
When Opening Day of the 2020 season will be held remains unclear, but at minimum it will not come until May. The start of the season was initially delayed by at least two weeks — to April 9.
But MLB commissioner Rob Manfred said Monday that the league would adhere to the latest recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention that mass gatherings of 50 or more people be cancelled for the next eight weeks.
Considering players would require some semblance of a second Spring Training, and if that does not come until May, it stands to reason regular-season games are still well off in the future. MLB nonetheless remains hopeful to play a full 162-game slate at present time.
The Dodgers were scheduled to face the San Francisco Giants at Dodger Stadium in the season opener on March 26.
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