Tony Livullo, Diamondbacks manager models new spring training cap./Nick Tuchiano/USA Today sports
By Kevin Reichard | Major-League Baseball, News
Major League BaseballWhile so much of the 2021 baseball season is still up in the air, we have yet another affirmation from Major League Baseball that the 2021 spring-training campaign and the regular season will launch on time.
While you can find plenty of columnists expressing an opinion that the season is likely to be delayed, a statement from MLB reported yesterday by Evan Drellich of The Athletic makes it clear that despite COVID-19, nothing has changed:
“We have announced the dates for the start of spring training and the Championship Season,” per MLB’s statement. “As we get closer we will, in consultation with public health authorities, our medical experts, and the Players Association, determine whether any modifications should be considered in light of the current surge in COVID-19 cases and the challenges we faced in 2020 completing a 60-game season in a sport that plays every day.”
Announcing a schedule, of course, doesn’t answer all concerns, and the specifics of what will comprise spring training and the regular season remain unaddressed. How many players will be invited? Will fans be allowed in the stands, most likely on a limited basis? Will spring training be extended with a separate Minor League Baseball camp after the major leaguers depart? So much needs to be determined. But for now, the word from MLB teams is that spring training and the regular season will begin on time.
