MLB still feeling the effects of COVID-19

Vendors Russ Adams, John Hagan and Donald Morris chat with Executive Assistant Patrick Edwards.

Donald: Welcome to this week’s edition of SportsWise! Glad to be here with the crew, and glad to see baseball up and running. So, while major league baseball (MLB) is in full swing—and, I might add, is still exciting—they are still dealing with the effects of COVID-19. Fellas, let’s talk about it. Russ, you want to kick it off?

Russ: I would. Thanks, Don. First off, I want to say I have never been happier than I am watching major league baseball again. We knew we were missing it in its fullness, but didn’t truly realize how good it feels to be dang near there. The White Sox are doing really well, the Cubs are doing well—and only going to get better—and all of major league baseball is in high gear. And with COVID-19 restrictions relaxing, we’re opening up and the fans are back in play, so we’re looking toward normalcy, where all factors would seem to be on-point in this comeback season with sunny days and a full, daily, slate of games, but we are still dealing with COVID-19.

John: We are. But, that said, I’m all for fan-attended MLB games. I’ve said it all along, we’ve got to get back to this game–and others–we, Americans, love. I’m happy.

Patrick: I’m almost with you, John. My only concern is that we don’t move too fast in reembracing our “normal” life prior to this pandemic. I feel we are doing nearly all the right things in regaining our footing with the restrictions. However, we’re still dealing with the players being afflicted with the illness—and not just a few. The Yankees are the latest and biggest story in regard to COVID-19 breakdowns. On their staff alone, 7 COVID-19 cases have affected the team, holding them— and us—back from fully going forward in bliss.

Russ: That’s a high number for one team. Especially because it seems we’re ready.

John: Exactly. It’s about progress, which I believe is what it’s all about. If we stay cowering from it, we’ll never get to where we need to go. We need to battle, keep our heads up, and get back into it. There will be sacrifices, unfortunately, but where there is sacrifice, there is someone collecting sacrificial offerings. Just something I’ve recently read. Meaning, there is gain when there are setbacks. We bounce back from these setbacks with understanding what to do—as well as what not to do—leading to a learning experience.

Patrick: Well said, John. I mentioned to Russ the other day I’d recently attended a Cubs game, and it was awesome (Thank you, Steph). There were many good things I witnessed at the game that did give me hope. The fans were spread out, with one section full of fans who’d been double-vaccinated, which’ll motivate others to get vaccinated as well. Now, while there were many without masks, there were some wearing masks, which is a good thing. Progress goes both ways, so those wearing masks eases the possible dropback of all not wearing masks. So, perhaps, we will be good.

John: I’m ready.

Russ: I’m with you.

Donald: The Boys of Summer dealing with a bit of rain, but we’re okay. Although teams such as the Yankees are going through it, the numbers are dwindling. We can’t expect a complete turnaround this soon. Besides, the players coming down with COVID-19 have been vaccinated and are asymptomatic, so not as dire as it could be.

Patrick: A Don Henley reference. Don, you found my sweet spot: Count me in.

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