Thoughts on MLB’s Summer Opening Day

Health, Schedule, Comebacks and Stadium Sound Production

Any observations about professional sports during this second surge of COVID should be prefaced by the fact that the health and safety of all involved is paramount. Some would say even bothering with professional sports is a mistake. I’m torn. As an MLB and NBA aficionado who understands the basics of science and public health, it does seem wise to keep everything on pause. On the other hand, we all need something to pull us through at the moment. While many athletes are understandably nervous about participating right now, many are desperate to get back on the field/court. I’ve gone through a healthy withdrawal from obsessive fandom, but now I’m ready to appreciate having the Red Sox in my ears as I walk the dogs and the Celtics playoff run to look forward to.

Since MLB’s Opening Summer Day appears to be happening and sixty games have been scheduled for each team, here are some thoughts.

1. Because the typical MLB regular season is 162 games, and fans think of their team’s performance based on wins over 162 games, each team should start with a 51–51 record, in order to have the standings make any sense at the end of September.