If Major League Baseball can begin its season in some form in 2020, it's possible fans won't watch it in person, per MLB Players Association executive director Tony Clark.
Tony Clark on discussion of playing in empty stadiums if/when ssn resumes: "Discussions were around empty stadiums, neutral ballparks, split DHs, off days, all as part of health & safety for players, for fans, all of those thing is are expressly detailed in agreement itself."
— Scott Miller (@ScottMillerBbl) March 27, 2020
Both MLB and the union are looking at all options to make the most out of what will be a shortened season because of the COVID-19 outbreak, including increased double-headers, fewer off days and playing games in neutral stadiums. Additionally, Clark has not closed the door on playing an All-Star Game in some form, saying "everything is on the table" as the sides try to salvage the season.
Clark's comments come after MLB and the players union reached an agreement that will, among other things, advance $170 million in player salaries through May and grant a full year of service time to players with major league contracts regardless of how many games are played this season.
According to ESPN's Jeff Passan, major provisions included suspending play until bans on mass gatherings have been lifted as well as getting agreement from medical experts that playing games and traveling will not pose a risk to players or fans.
Still, that may not be set in stone. Clark and the players union will consider using neutral sites and playing in empty stadiums.
The last time an MLB game was played without fans in attendance was on April 29, 2015, when the Chicago White Sox faced the Baltimore Orioles at Camden Yards while protests sparked by the death of Freddie Gray continued outside the stadium.
Another issue for the league is how many ballparks will be available. For instance, Miami's Marlins Park is being used as a drive-through testing site as the city attempts to combat the spread of the coronavirus.
Should games resume, the sides agreed the playoffs could stretch into November, per Passan.
The league went on hiatus March 12 when it pushed Opening Day back by two weeks. The season was supposed to open March 26. There is no formal timetable for when MLB will resume.
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