Sports
Orioles Could Play Ball In May But Not At Camden Yards: Report
The plan to play all Major League Baseball games in one state reportedly has the support of federal health officials.
BALTIMORE, MD —
Major League Baseball and its players are reportedly working on a plan that would see a return to the field as early as May, an idea that would allow America's Pastime to become the first professional sport to return amid the coronavirus crisis. ESPN reported the plan "has the support of high-ranking federal public health officials" and would likely be the most unique season in baseball history.
The plan would see all 30 teams play in fields scattered across the greater Phoenix area. Players, coaches and team personnel "would live in relative isolation" at hotels.
Find out what's happening in Dundalkfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
If everything goes right, MLB could begin play in May or June, ESPN reported. The most important thing would a robust COVID-19 testing process with a quick turnaround that would not adversely affect the public's access to testing.
The league said in a statement Tuesday that it has been considering numerous contingency plans that would allow play to begin once it is safe to do so.
Find out what's happening in Dundalkfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
"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," the MLB statement said. "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.”
Orioles management has not commented on the proposal.
A 2020 season would stand alone for a number of reasons: the games would be played with no fans — the 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 games, despite the late start.
Opening Day was scheduled to be March 26, but two weeks before MLB shut down spring training and indefinitely delayed the start of the season.
Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.
