Sports
Major League Baseball Eyeing May Return: Report
The plan, which reportedly has the support of federal public health officials, would give way to the most unique season in MLB history.
Major League Baseball is reportedly working on a plan to start the season as early as May — which would allow America's Pastime to become the first professional sport to return amid the new coronavirus crisis. ESPN reported the plan "has the support of high-ranking federal public health officials" and would make for the most unique season in baseball history.
The plan would see all 30 teams play in fields scattered across the greater Phoenix area in Arizona. Players, coaches and team personnel "would live in relative isolation" at hotels.
If everything goes right, MLB could begin play in May or June, ESPN reported. The most important piece is coronavirus testing for players and staff that would not adversely affect the public's access to testing.
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A 2020 season would stand alone for a number of reasons: The games would be played with no fans — players would sparsely populate the stands instead of dugouts — while an electronic strike zone would be used to keep umpires far enough from players.
The season would also feature a number of seven-inning doubleheaders to get close to the usual 162-game season.
Find out what's happening in Bostonfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Opening Day was scheduled for March 26 but MLB shut down spring training and indefinitely delayed the start of the season amid the coronavirus pandemic.
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