Despite three rancorous months for Major League Baseball. The league is still in a position to make a success out of this upcoming season. With a 60 game regular season set to start in late July.

Earlier this week, MLB owners and players agreed to terms on a 2020 season. Wrapping up months of contentious negotiations between the two sides. Under these plans, a brief round of training camp practices will begin on July 1st. These camps will take place in team’s home cities. With the regular season starting on July 23rd or 24th. Teams will face a schedule consisting of divisional and regionally corresponding inter-league opponents. For example, the Cincinnati Reds and their N.L. Central foes would face A.L. Central opponents.

Changes for this season will include both leagues using a designated hitter. Extra innings will start with a base runner at second. Something Minor League Baseball implemented in recent years. Relief pitchers will have to face at least three batters. Plus, the trade deadline will be on August 31st instead of July 31st. The regular season is set to conclude on September 27th. With a ten team postseason starting on September 29th.

One key challenge remains for Major League Baseball. Dealing with the impact of the negotiations that got us here. Weeks of tense negotiations left a bad taste in owners, players and fans mouths. Fans became frustrated with both sides; after watching a process akin to sausage making. With tone deaf squabbles over money; during a pandemic induced depression and social unrest.

The owners and players squabbling made a pig’s breakfast out of baseball’s reputation. However, the ugly aftertaste in fans moths could fade after the season begins. That might not be the case for the owners and players. The recent tense negotiations could be a preview of a future battle. Over Major League Baseball’s next Collective Bargaining Agreement. 

Baseball’s tense re-opening negotiations were due to conditions unique to baseball. With no salary cap and a season disrupted two weeks before Opening Day’s original date. The National Football League would likely face similar tensions. If they had the same financial structure that baseball has. Given dynamics unique to the NFL, that league might be facing a strike under those conditions.

Despite the tumultuous process that got MLB to this point. Baseball is still in a position to shine here. Through having a season in progress when it’s traditionally in progress. Providing some sense of normalcy for the public. During a summer that is already everything other than normal. By contrast to MLB, the NHL and NBA’s off-season’s would be underway at this point. Instead, their playoffs could stretch into September.

Recently, I wrote about how baseball could provide a re-opening blueprint for others. While Baseball blundered a chance to have the stage all to themselves. All leagues could learn from the example Major League Baseball could set. About how to have something close to a regular season in the age of COVID-19. Through implementing their health and safety practices in their own hometowns.

Having a season play out at home ballparks will add to the sense of normalcy Americans seek. Instead of taking the show down to Florida like other leagues. When that state is facing a sadly predictable surge in COVID-19 cases. Sadly predictable since Florida took a more laxed attitude towards the pandemic. Showing a lack of caution when closing down and re-opening.

Even though these games will likely have no spectators. Having teams play at home could be an informal way to reward the country. Especially those in states that have and continue to take on this pandemic more responsibly. Many states that are a part of Reds country are among them. This season could salute many for the precautions taken and the sacrifices made. A symbolic reward for the many taking this pandemic seriously. While providing a desperately desired respite for America collectively.