Fans Need the Distraction of Baltimore Orioles Baseball

Baltimore Orioles fans who are anticipating the potential reopening don’t have to wait much longer to find out what MLB team owners and players will decide.

According to the latest news, the decision will be made in early June, so Baltimore Orioles fans still have to wait a couple of more weeks.

The struggle for the two sides involves agreeing on the terms the MLB set forth in a 67-page 2020 Operations Manual. The League presented it to the teams and players a week ago so to give everyone time to evaluate the complicated steps for keeping everyone safe from COVID-19.

Yesterday, on CNN, NBA legend Charles Barkley talked about how important it is for sports to return to our lives. He said about sports:

"“They take your mind off of all the other crap that’s going on in the world. And you just need a break. Whether it’s golf, whether it’s NASCAR, whether it’s hockey, whether it’s tennis, you just need to get away from reality … because reality sucks for a lot of people.”"

He couldn’t have said it better. But, ultimately, the MLB and players need to decide on a way to take our mind off of reality while keeping everyone safe.

Bob Nightengale of USA Today echoed Barkley’s sentiments:

"“There are 36 million Americans who filed for unemployment the past two months during the coronavirus pandemic. Do you think they really care who is right or who is wrong as owners and players debate the economics of playing baseball without fans?”"

If the players and owners do not play because of safety issues, then that is understandable. But, if the argument comes down to money, then the game might not return in the same way. Tickets (not to mention concessions and souvenirs) are expensive, and keep many fans from enjoying live baseball.

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Watching billionaires argue with millionaires about dollars and cents is too much for many fans to take. The millionaires and billionaires will be fine, but their arguments drive home the financial struggles of the everyday person – especially considering how many low-wage workers aren’t manning concession stands at Camden Yards and therefore, aren’t getting a paycheck.

Industries all over the United States are losing money, and it’s already a given that the MLB will, too. Hopefully, owners and players will be able to come to an agreement that works, and brings a palatable version of the game to the television screen.

I’ve come to accept I won’t get to knock another stadium off of my list this season, but I’m so ready for the distraction that Barkley spoke about yesterday. If the owners and players can come to an agreement, they will win over the hearts of fans for seasons to come.

It doesn’t matter how good or bad the Orioles are this season. We just want to see them play in 2020.