There were exasperating and infuriating moments, and times when it looked like the entire thing may crumble, but with commissioner Rob Manfred knocking on his wood desk Tuesday morning for good luck, the Major League Baseball season is on the verge of surviving a year few envisioned possible.
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The 60-game regular season schedule was the shortest in baseball history. There were rule changes made on the fly. Home teams became visitors in their own ballparks. Buffalo became a major-league city. There were hurricanes. Fires. Social unrest and protests. And, of course, the pandemic.
Yet, the 2020 MLB season survived, and for the first time this season, Manfred divulged plans to have fans in the ballparks in October. They will be able to attend the National League Championship Series and World Series, which will be played in Arlington, Texas, pending final approval by Texas governmental officials.
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“It’s been grueling for everyone, the constant feeling of risk, the grinding, everything so different than the way we normally do things,’’ Manfred told USA TODAY Sports. “The best way to say it is that 2020 presented some really, really difficult challenges for the sport, and I never worked harder to try to meet those challenges. I do take pride that we’re just a few days away from finishing the (regular) season, an important milestone for the industry.’’
And now, with the postseason beginning Sept. 29, with an expanded 16-team format that Manfred has no interest in continuing under its current structure, there will be fans to provide authentic crowd noise, beginning with the NLCS on Oct. 12 at 40,300-seat Globe Life Field.
“We are pressing ahead to have fans in Texas,’’ said Manfred, with a ticket sales announcement expected soon. “One of the most important things to our game is the presence of fans. Starting down the path of having fans in stadiums, and in a safe and risk-free environment, is very, very important to our game.’’
Manfred would like the postseason to be expanded from 10 teams in the past to 14 in the future, which was discussed last winter, but not 16. The team with the best record in each league would receive a first-round bye, under MLB’s proposal, while the other two division winners in each league would choose their first-round opponent in the best-of-three-series.
“Look, 16 teams, was a really good solution for the unique environment we had in 2020,’’ Manfred said. “But I want to be clear, when I talked about the expanded playoffs going forward before COVID ever hit, we never talked about 16 teams as a permanent solution. We never talked about more than 14 teams. Those plans addressed marginalizing the value of winning the division, and preserving the competitiveness through the regular season.
“The expanded playoffs cover a vast waterfront, but what we discussed was a very different format than we’re seeing now.’’
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Now, about those new rules that were implemented this year, including seven-inning doubleheaders, starting extra innings with a runner on second base, and a universal DH, only time will tell if they’re around in 2021.
Those rule changes cannot be imposed unless approved by the Major League Baseball Players’ Association, and with the exception of the DH staying in the National League, none are expected to carry over to 2021. Now, is it possible the extra inning rule with a runner on second base starts in the 12th inning? Hey, everything may be on the table.
“I think a silver lining, and there’s not many of them in 2020, is that we experimented with things,’’ Manfred said, “and they were received positively. Whether they come to the landscape going forward, I don’t know. It doesn’t mean I’m advocating for seven inning doubleheaders or the universal DH, but it’s good for the fans to see how some of the experiments work. It’s possible some change is possible to make the game as successful as possible going forward.’’
The potential rule changes in 2021, honestly, has been the furthest thing from Manfred’s mind during this tumultuous season. It was a season that started almost four months late. And a season that that nearly came to an end one weekend into the season.
The Miami Marlins had 21 players and staff members test positive for COVID-19 after the first three games, and four days later, the St. Louis Cardinals had an outbreak, shutting down their season for 16 days.
“We had the Marlins situation, but then St. Louis came right on top of it,’’ Manfred said, “and I’ll tell you, I got nervous. Those two situations had multiple cases, but were very different. I was really, really nervous.
“We went from going into the season with our focus on what we needed to do to keep playing, and after the two outbreaks, going to, ‘What do we need to do to make sure things don’t spread once we have a positive.’ ’’
MLB and the players union took further steps to safeguard the players and staff this week with all players on contending teams required to stay in hotels with strict protocols until their team is eliminated. Family members will also be required to quarantine for seven days before joining the players for the postseason.
“I think its important we got this bubble thing figured out for the playoffs,’’ Manfred said. “You’re looking at Europe now having problems, and there are signs we may be looking at a little uptick. But the players all season have shown a ton of discipline. Really, sacrifice is the right word. They’ve done a phenomenal job, the same with the on-field personnel, the managers, coaches, staff, and all of the people that keep the facilities safe and operational.
“I couldn’t be prouder.’’
Certainly, there has been pain and hardship along the way. The entire minor-league season was cancelled. There wasn’t a single franchise who didn’t have layoffs, furloughs or pay-cuts.
And not a single fan got to see a live pitch inside a ballpark.
“Let’s make no mistake,’’ said Manfred, “the environment we’re operating in the pandemic has affected every aspect of our business.
“The inability of our fans to enjoy the in-ballpark experience is probably my biggest disappointment. The players have been poignantly honest about the significance of having fans in our ballpark and their importance. It emphasizes the bond between our fans and our players.’’
There’s hope normalcy will return next year, but no one knows for sure.
“I’m hoping every day we have a much different environment next year,’’ Manfred said. “I hope one of the great drug companies finds a vaccine for this.’’
In the meantime, well, there’s a World Series champion to be crowned.
And, yes – mask and al – Manfred will be on hand to present the trophy.
“Honestly, I think this World Series championship is going to be special,’’ Manfred said. “I think the team that comes through proves they not only prevailed over all clubs, but prevailed over a much bigger challenge in terms of this pandemic.
“It’s going to a special in a year we’re never going to forget.’’
Sept. 21: Philadelphia Phillies shortstop Didi Gregorius leaps over the Washington Nationals’ Asdrubal Cabrera after a force out at second base in the first inning at Nationals Park. The Nationals won the game, 5-1.
Sept. 20: The Milwaukee Brewers’ Christian Yelich breaks up a double play attempt by Kansas City Royals second baseman Nicky Lopez in the first inning at Miller Park. The Brewers won the game, 5-3.
Sept. 19: New York Yankees second baseman DJ LeMahieu hits a comebacker to Boston Red Sox relief pitcher Dylan Covey during the sixth inning at Fenway Park.
Sept. 18: The Cleveland Indians’ Jose Ramirez is tagged out by Detroit Tigers catcher Austin Romine as he tries to steal home plate during the fourth inning at Comerica Park. The Indians won the game, 1-0.
Sept. 17: The Minnesota Twins’ Josh Donaldson kicks dirt on home plate after hitting a home run against the Chicago White Sox as umpire Dan Bellino looks on at Guaranteed Rate Field. Donaldson was ejected from the game. The White Sox won the game, 4-3.
Sept. 16: The Milwaukee Brewers’ Jacob Nottingham (26) celebrates with teammate Orlando Arcia (3) after hitting a 2-run homer in the sixth inning against the St. Louis Cardinals at Miller Park. The Brewers won the game, 6-0.
Sept. 15: The Chicago White Sox’s Yasmani Grandal slides safely into second base as Minnesota Twins second baseman Travis Blankenhorn reaches for the throw during the third inning at Guaranteed Rate Field. The White Sox won the game, 6-2.
Sept. 14: Miami Marlins outfielders Lewis Brinson and Monte Harrison celebrate as center fielder Starling Marte pretends to take a picture after the win against the Philadelphia Phillies.
Sept. 13: San Francisco Giants second baseman Wilmer Flores cannot handle the throw as the San Diego Padres’ Jurickson Profar steals second base at Petco Park. The Padres won the game, 6-0.
Sept. 12: The Kansas City Royals’ Maikel Franco is tagged out by Pittsburgh Pirates second baseman Kevin Newman in the fifth inning at Kauffman Stadium. The Royals won the game, 7-4.
Sept. 11: Colorado’s Charlie Blackmon heads home after hitting a walk-off grand slam during the ninth inning against the Angels.
Sept. 10: Los Angeles Dodgers base runner Enrique Hernandez is caught stealing home and tagged out by Arizona Diamondbacks catcher Carson Kelly in the sixth inning at Chase Field.
Sept. 9: The Milwaukee Brewers’ Avisail Garcia slides safe into home plate against the Detroit Tigers during the fourth inning at Comerica Park. The Brewers won the game, 19-0.
Sept. 8: Chicago Cubs relief pitcher Jeremy Jeffress, left, celebrates with catcher Willson Contreras after beating the Cincinnati Reds at Wrigley Field.
Sept. 7: Miami Marlins catcher Jorge Alfaro tags out the Atlanta Braves’ Adeiny Hechavarria at home plate during the seventh inning at Truist Park. The Marlins won the game, 5-4.
Sept. 6: Toronto Blue Jays first baseman Vladimir Guerrero Jr. jumps over Boston Red Sox baserunner Xander Bogaerts grab a pickoff throw from the catcher during the first inning at Fenway Park. The Blue Jays won the game, 10-8.
Sept. 5: Cincinnati Reds left fielder Brian Goodwin makes a running catch on a ball hit by the Pittsburgh Pirates’ Gregory Polanco at PNC Park. The Reds won the game, 6-2.
Sept. 4: The sun sets during the game between the New York Yankees and Baltimore Orioles at Oriole Park at Camden Yards. The Orioles won the game, 6-3.
Sept. 3: Chicago White Sox designated hitter Yasmani Grandal (24) is tagged out at home by Kansas City Royals catcher Cam Gallagher (36) during the second inning at Kauffman Stadium.
Sept. 2: Toronto Blue Jays second baseman Jonathan Villar unsuccessfully attempts to throw out the Miami Marlins’ Starling Marte at first in the seventh inning at Marlins Park. The Blue Jays won the game, 2-1.
Sept. 1: A full moon rises over the Minnesota Twins logo during the game between the Twins and Chicago White Sox at Target Field. The Twins won the game, 3-2.
Sept. 1: The Cleveland Indians’ Jose Ramirez is tagged out by Kansas City Royals first baseman Ryan O’Hearn in a rundown in the sixth inning at Kauffman Stadium. The Indians won the game 10-1.
Aug. 31: A rainbow appears over Citizens Bank Park during the first inning of a game between the Philadelphia Phillies and the Washington Nationals. The Phillies won the game, 8-6.
Aug. 30: The Kansas City Royals’ Whit Merrifield steals second base as Chicago White Sox second baseman Nick Madrigal collects the throw during the sixth inning at Guaranteed Rate Field. The White Sox won the game, 5-2.
Aug. 29: Cincinnati Reds first baseman Joey Votto reacts during the fourth inning in Game 2 of the doubleheader against the Chicago Cubs.
Aug. 28: The Oakland Athletics and Houston Astros observe a 42-second moment of silence on Jackie Robinson Day. The teams then exited the field in protest following the police shooting of Jacob Blake.
Aug. 27: A view fan cutouts as the sunsets during the sixth inning of the game between the St. Louis Cardinals and the Pittsburgh Pirates at Busch Stadium. The Pirates defeated the Cardinals, 2-0.
Aug. 26: The Atlanta Braves’ Ronald Acuna steals second base ahead of the tag by New York Yankees shortstop Thairo Estrada during the third inning at Truist Park. The Braves won the game, 2-1.
Aug. 25: Chicago White Sox pitcher Lucas Giolito (27) doused with water after his no-hitter against the Pittsburgh Pirates at Guaranteed Rate Field.
Aug. 24: Toronto Blue Jays catcher Danny Jansen tags out the Tampa Bay Ray’ Joey Wendle home during the second inning at Tropicana Field. The Blue Jays won the game, 6-4.
Aug. 23: Philadelphia Phillies catcher Andrew Knapp celebrates after tagging out Atlanta Braves shortstop Dansby Swanson during the ninth inning to end the game and preserve a 5-4 win.
Aug. 22: The Los Angeles Angels’ Luis Rengifo (4) is thrown out stealing second base against the Oakland Athletics as second baseman Tony Kemp tahs him out during the eighth inning at Oakland Coliseum. The Angels won the game, 4-3.
Aug. 21: The view of the sunset during the fourth inning as the Pittsburgh Pirates host the Milwaukee Brewers at PNC Park.
Aug. 20: San Diego Padres first baseman Eric Hosmer (right) celebrates with teammates after hitting a grand slam in the fifth inning against the Texas Rangers.
Aug. 19: The Boston Red Sox’s Mitch Moreland (18) is forced out at second base by Philadelphia Phillies shortstop Didi Gregorius during the second inning at Fenway Park. The Red Sox won the game, 6-3.
Aug. 19: Toronto Blue Jays catcher Reese McGuire (10) tags out the Baltimore Orioles’ Pat Valaika to end the fourth inning at Oriole Park at Camden Yards. The Blue Jays won the game, 5-2.
Aug. 18: Washington Nationals left fielder Juan Soto attempts to make a catch against the Atlanta Braves during the eighth inning at Truist Park. The Nationals won the game, 8-5.
Aug. 18: Oakland Athletics second baseman Tony Kemp throws to first to complete the double play after forcing out sliding Arizona Diamondbacks base runner Starling Marte in the second inning at Chase Field. The Diamondbacks won the game, 10-1.
Aug. 17: The Atlanta Braves’ Dansby Swanson (7) celebrates after a walk-off home run with teammates against the Washington Nationals at Truist Park. The Braves won the game, 7-6.
Aug. 16: Boston Red Sox pinch hitter Jose Peraza knocks the ball from the glove of New York Yankees relief pitcher Zack Britton as Britton tries to tag him on a ground ball during the ninth inning at Yankee Stadium. Peraza was safe at first on the play. The Yankees went on to win the game, 4-2.
Aug. 15: San Francisco’s Mike Yastrzemski slides in safely for a two-run triple. He then headed home after the throw eluded Oakland third baseman Matt Chapman.
Aug. 14: The Phillies celebrate after their winning run in the bottom of the ninth was confirmed via replay.
Aug. 13: The Boston Red Sox’ Kevin Plawecki hits a two-run double during the first inning against the Tampa Bay Rays at Fenway Park. The Rays won the game, 17-8.
Aug. 12: The sun sets on Sahlen Field in Buffalo, N.Y. during the Miami Marlins’ 14-11 win over the Toronto Blue Jays.
Aug. 11: The Los Angeles Dodgers’ Chris Taylor is out at home against the tag of San Diego Padres catcher Austin Hedges at Dodger Stadium. The Padres won the game, 6-2.
Aug. 11: The Chicago Cubs’ Jason Heyward breaks his bat on a pitch during the fifth inning against the Cleveland Indians at Progressive Field. The Cubs won the game, 7-1.
Aug. 10: Washington Nationals outfielder Josh Harrison makes a leaping catch during the ninth inning against the New York Mets at Citi Field. The Nationals won the game, 16-4.
Aug. 9: The Houston Astros and Oakland Athletics get into a brawl during the seventh inning.
Aug. 8: San Francisco Giants outfielder Hunter Pence reacts after losing a pop-up in the lights against the Los Angeles Dodgers.
Aug. 7: Dogs and cat cutouts have their own section at Dodger Stadium during a game between the Los Angeles Dodgers and the San Francisco Giants. The Dodgers won the game, 7-2.
Aug. 7: The Kansas City Royals’ Whit Merrifield (15) is tagged out by Minnesota Twins pitcher Devin Smeltzer in a rundown between first and second base in the first inning at Kauffman Stadium. The Royals won the game, 3-2.
Aug. 6: Chicago White Sox left fielder Eloy Jimenez (74) falls into the netting along the left-field line while attempting to catch a ball hit off the bat of Christian Yelich, who got an inside-the-park home run on the play. The Brewers won the game, 8-3, at Guaranteed Rate Field.
Aug. 5: Houston Astros shortstop Carlos Correa tags out the Arizona Diamondbacks’ Starling Marte on an attempted steal of second base during the sixth inning at Chase Field. The Diamondbacks won the game, 14-7.
Aug. 4: Los Angeles Angels left fielder Brian Goodwin watches a hit fall to the turf in front of him against the Seattle Mariners during the eighth inning at T-Mobile Park. The Angels won the game, 5-3.
Aug. 4: The Atlanta Braves’ Ronald Acuna Jr. slides into home safely against the Toronto Blue Jays during the fifth inning at Truist Park. The Braves won the game, 10-1.
Aug. 3: The Milwaukee Brewers’ Ben Gamel (16) is tagged out by Chicago White Sox first baseman Jose Abreu after being picked off of first base during the sixth inning at Miller Park. The White Sox won the game, 6-4.
Aug. 2: The Colorado Rockies’ Tony Wolters collides with San Diego Padres second baseman Jurickson Profar on a play in the seventh inning at Coors Field. The Rockies won the game, 9-6.
Aug. 2: A cardboard cutout of Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes is seen in the stands before the game between the and Chicago White Sox and the Kansas City Royals at Kauffman Stadium. Mahomes is part owner of the Royals.
Aug. 1: Kansas City Royals center fielder Bubba Starling has the ball pop out of his glove and go over the wall for a three-run home run by Chicago White Sox batter Eloy Jimenez during the first inning at Kauffman Stadium.
July 30: Kansas City Royals right fielder Franchy Cordero makes a jumping catch at the wall on a ball hit by the Detroit Tigers’ JaCoby Jones during the fifth inning at Comerica Park. The Royals won the game, 5-3.
July 29: Pittsburgh Pirates catcher Jacob Stallings tags the Milwaukee Brewers’ Eric Sogard out at home plate as umpire C.B. Bruckner looks on during the third inning at PNC Park. The Brewers won the game, 3-0.
July 28: Dodgers relief pitcher Joe Kelly looks back at Astros’ Carlos Correa after the two exchange words. Both benches emptied during the exchange.
July 28: Padres shortstop Fernando Tatis Jr. celebrates after hitting a three run home run against the Giants.
July 27: Royals third baseman Maikel Franco celebrates with first baseman Ryan O’Hearn after a win over the Tigers.
July 27: Mets center fielder Brandon Nimmo runs to second base against the Red Sox.
July 26: A security guard makes his way through a maze of fan cut outs before the game between the Dodgers and Giants at Dodger Stadium.
July 26: Giants right fielder Mike Yastrzemski makes an out in the seventh inning against the Dodgers
July 25: Rockies third baseman Nolan Arenado and center fielder David Dahl celebrate after a win over the Rangers.
July 25: Yankees right fielder Aaron Judge is unable to catch the triple hit by Nationals second baseman Starlin Castro during the first inning.
July 24: Opening Day at the Oakland Coliseum between the Athletics and Angels.
July 24: Opening Day at Busch Stadium between the Cardinals and Pirates.
July 23: Giants third baseman Pablo Sandoval and right fielder Hunter Pence take a knee during the national anthem.
July 23: Nationals starting pitcher Max Scherzer warms up in the outfield prior to home opener against the Yankees at Nationals Park.
73/73 SLIDES
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Rob Manfred exclusive: Commissioner says MLB plans to have fans at NLCS, World Series
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