Atmosphere is a significant factor in sports. The energy fans create and the aura around the stadium is a major reason players rise to the occasion and enjoy performing at a competitive level. The New York Yankees and Major League Baseball, in general, could be forced into an unfortunate circumstance this season due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Ensuring fan and player safety is the most critical reality we are facing in modern-day life, which could indicate that games are played without fans in the stands. A throwback to the Sandlot days, where the only thing standing between the outfield and a home run ball is an angry dog that’s actually extremely friendly (if you haven’t watched Sandlot, please do yourself a favor).
Our Northern neighbors have already banned gatherings
With Canada a significant aspect of baseball, they have already banned public gatherings until late-June, which would force teams to play without fans or not at all. The United States could follow their lead in that regard, especially if the severity of the pandemic continues to increase.
New York remains the epicenter for coronavirus, seeing massive spikes in positive cases, but necessary precautions will begin to flatten the curve. Baseball is on the back-end of a humanitarian crisis — focusing on saving lives and supporting our health-care workers is the priority at this time.
However, we are left quarantined indoors with no sporting events and minimal entertainment. This time can be used for family, work, and many other things, but being smart about our decisions is significant. The sooner we abide by the suggested rules (staying indoors and avoiding public spaces), the sooner we can return to normal life.
The Yankees are taking the necessary precautions as well, staying in their homes, or practicing social distancing at their Tampa location. Most players have returned to their homes to wait out the storm, but we are slowly beating this thing!