Ever since mid-March, the Corona Virus has found a way to interrupt, and in some cases, put an end to many valuable and important seasons. Those not affected may see it as a much needed break, but for some, who anticipated and trained for a normal upcoming season, happen to be thrown for a whirl with no warning. Not everyone may realize or understand, but I have always been a firm believer that sports, whether you love them or not, are a main factor in keeping the world and its people in check. Months have passed, and although we may have the luxury of catching a weekend PGA Tour golf tournament or an MLS barnburner on TV, it doesn’t quite feel like sports are exactly back to normal yet and that goes with the rest of the world.
For the past four months, MLB fans have wondered when they will be able to see these athletes back out on a diamond. Whether it was going to be watched from the stands or on TV, I think all MLB fans can agree that we’d listen to the game on a retro radio if we had to at this point. But just like everything involving this COVID-19 pandemic, things were not made as easy as us fans had hoped. With fans not permitted at the MLB stadiums to attend games, it’s going to be a different view from the fans eye this 2020 season. And If I had to guess, a season most hope they never have to relive again.
Without screaming fans in each of the stadium seats, organizations will need to develop ways to keep things as normal as possible while trying to keep fans involved from their couches, barstools, etc. being that TV revenue is the main source of income this 2020 season. As a fan or viewer, plan on seeing some of these tactics that the MLB has already released to the public that will be in full affect at the start of the season.
1. Artificial Crowd Noise
The Mets experimented with this next simple solution first, and soon every organization followed in order to keep things as normal as possible for both players and fans. Artificial crowd noise will be pumped through each stadium and will be programed to cheer accordingly with the games live situation.
For both the players and viewers, incorporating artificial crowd noise is something easy that can be done to give each party a sense of normalcy. Some of these players haven’t played a game without a crowd since they were in kids pitch and almost feel uncomfortable doing so now. The noise and atmosphere of the crowd is what they have built their game around for years and this artificial noise gives them a chance to feel that same energy.
As for the fans, without this crowd noise, an MLB game would be just as quiet as watching a golf or tennis match on TV. Just like the players, fans also feed off of the energy behind the screen and would rather not watch something that could put them to sleep. If you can remember correctly, in 2015 during the Baltimore riots, the White Sox and Orioles played a crowd less/ noise less game that was worse than watching paint dry. (And that hurts me to say being a baseball enthusiast.) The commentators also struggle to fill in the noiseless air time when playing a game without a crowd or background banter, and scramble to keep listeners entertained. This decision to incorporate sound is one that will benefit all parties in the end.
2. Mic’d up players
This idea happens to be my favorite and in my opinion, could have the biggest affect when it comes to drawing more attention to the game of baseball. Putting a mic on an athlete brings an almost first person feel through the TV screen and offers fans a behind the scenes look at what goes on field level. Something some fans never get to experience unless you show up 2 hours early for batting practice.
When these athletes talk, people listen, especially when they are mid play because it is something fans are not used to. Having commentators give fans an on field interview mid- game has been something fans have enjoyed and plan on seeing more of in the future seasons. We may not like to admit it, but we do enjoy change every now and then as a fan, no matter how many baseball purist preach it’s bad for the game.
3. Fan face cutouts
Organizations are having a little bit of fun with the fans this 2020 COVID-19 season as they offer something we have never seen before this year in sports. Each team will offer fans a chance to buy a seat (price depends on seat) which will hold a cardboard cutout of the fans likeliness. This is a genius idea in keeping fans engaged as they will be spending the majority of the 9 innings trying to spot out their cardboard cutout in a crowded stadium full of cardboard cutouts.
Now, these cutouts might be worth the money as many organizations have recently come out saying that prizes will be awarded to the cutouts that are struck by foul balls, homeruns, etc. There is no telling what the prize could be, being that free tickets and anything in person is not an option, but with the creativity that the MLB has shown recently, sacrificing your cutout may be well worth it.
4. MLB social media content
Lastly, all organizations, as well as the MLB social media team, has provided an overload of video content to try and hold us over until things resumed. Both vintage and up-to-date highlights have flooded all social media platforms in hopes to fill the gap for the time being. It may not be the recent clips, but it sure does offer some type of excitement and appreciation for the game itself.
Buckle up for a 60 game dead sprint to the finish starting July 23rd, along with many curveballs and different options the MLB has designed keep fans involved with the organizations. This 2020 season will go down as the wackiest year of baseball ever, so we might as well embrace it until sports return back to there normal ways. This is a giant push in helping America and the rest of the world get back on track once again.
Beyond The Banks 