March 30, 2021
Danny Mackey
In an abbreviated 2020 season, we saw the Dodgers become world champs. 2020 was unlike anything we have ever seen before, and sports was just a microcosm of that. Baseball put forth their best effort to give us something, be it 60 games and no fans. This unique experience provided us a different view of the game. We heard it all the crack of the ball of the bat, the four-letter expletive the players let out when they hung a curve or just missed hitting the sweet spot of a pitch. It gave us a different look at the game we love for 60 games. It gave us an escape from the madness of reality, which is what baseball has always been designed to do. Not to mention how exciting the playoffs were and seeing the Tampa Bay Rays versus the Los Angeles Dodgers in the series.
Now we turn the page, the same fantastic game we all love is back again. With fans, while stadiums are adhering to state guidelines. Here in New York, we will start the season with 20% capacity for both the Mets and Yankees. While 20% isn’t much, it’s way better than zero percent. We also have an entire season of baseball ahead of us. It should be a fun one.
Both New York teams are primed to make a run for the World Series. The Mets adding Puerto Rican Superstar Francisco Lindor who will fit right in here in NYC, especially when he comes to visit Dyckman on one of those summer days, and the Yankees are still favorites to win the American League East and the American League Pennant. Regardless of your team affiliation, baseball is back and for a full slate. Opening Day is set for April 1st.
Lastly let’s take a moment to congratulate all of us fellow New Yorkers; this is a small victory but a success we should celebrate.
A year ago, this wasn’t even a thought. Things are turning around slowly but surely, and we are all doing our part, and as New Yorkers, we come together. So pat yourself on the back, dust off your lucky hat, set your fantasy baseball lineups, grab some peanuts and something to drink, and enjoy the season. Remember to stay six feet apart and keep that mask on a little bit longer. We are almost there and keep doing our part to get back to normal. So cheers to the new beginning and fresh slate.
Now let’s play ball!