The 60 game MLB season is underway, and I spent most of my weekend celebrating the return of baseball. I have compiled a list of some key takeaways from this weekend below...
Adam Wainwright and Yadier Molina
File:16825 cardinal pticher 004.jpg - Wikimedia CommonsFile:16825 cardinal pticher 004.jpg - Wikimedia CommonsSome things never change, and I hope this duo never does. This weekend these two became the longest active duo in the MLB! I've had the privilege of seeing them play side by side many times before.
Mookie Betts Dodger Debut
File:Dodger Stadium.jpg - Wikimedia CommonsFile:Dodger Stadium.jpg - Wikimedia CommonsThe former Red Sox right fielder packed his bags for Los Angeles. He signed a hefty deal and joined the list of the highest-paid players in the MLB. Betts brings big talent to LA and could be a leading factor in the Dodgers finally winning a World Series.
Anthony Rizzo
File:Cubs first baseman Anthony Rizzo celebrates the final out of ...File:Cubs first baseman Anthony Rizzo celebrates the final out of ...Rizzo had the pandemic in mind while he was playing first over the weekend. See Rizzo offering hand sanitizer to runners in this Instagram video.
San Diego Padres
What Machado Joining The Padres Means For San DiegoThis team is exciting, full of talent, and they're having a great opening weekend. Just a peek into their lineup includes names like Manny Machado, Eric Hosmer, and Tommy Pham. The Padres are not to be slept on in 2020.
DH in the NL
I previously wrote a whole article on just this subject (go check it out). After watching some National League ball this weekend I can still say with confidence that I am not a fan of the designated hitter rule the MLB installed. It can make its way back to the American League any time now...
Fake Crowds and Crowd Noise
gameday #baseball #bluejays #gojays #mlb #fans #stadium | Flickrgameday #baseball #bluejays #gojays #mlb #fans #stadium | FlickrLots of opinions circulating on this one. I am a fan of the cardboard cutouts as well as the crowd noise. On the flip, the video-game-like crowds standing in the outfield are a bit creepy. I suppose the fake crowds will suffice until fans can sell out stadiums again.
BLM and MLB
United. https://t.co/ZnFyqyMNm3— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Los Angeles Dodgers) 1595556571.0
The MLB allowed their players to use their platforms to demonstrate and support the Black Lives Matter movement happening around the nation. My favorite to circulate from these events was from the Los Angeles Dodgers linked above. Cody Bellinger and Max Muncy stood with their hands over a kneeling Mookie Betts. Players were free to kneel or remain standing during the anthem.
This may be a shortened season, but it has a lot to offer. Baseball is finally here!
