I've been MIA for awhile now. But, with the news of late, I wanted to write something.
Unless you are living under a rock we all have heard that words "Corona Virus" or "Covid-19" in the news for the last few weeks.
It started in China, with approx. 80k cases confirmed and just over 3k deaths and it was only a matter of time before it was spread outside China. Korea, Iran and Italy have confirmed cases over 4k
Next up Cruise Ships were being effected.
As news spread we all wondered when it would surface in the United States and it has. As of today (March 7th 2020) according to CNN there are has been approx. 400 cases with 19 deaths nationwide. Im sure those numbers will rise each and every day.
This past week in my office we received an email that mentioned precautions we should take in the office and even states until Corona is under control they wanted us to avoid shaking hands. They are even considering holding meeting on the phone and not having groups meet in conference rooms.
Corona is now effecting the World of Sports. Spring Training started in February without a hitch and now it is effecting our world of graphing.
A few days ago MLB stated they suggest that players stop having any contact with fans, This included hand shaking, high fives and signing autographs. Teams have slowly started to implement these rules in Spring Training.
I have a few friends that are in Florida at the moment and I've been asking how graphing has been going. A few days ago one friend was in Tampa Rays camp and according to him, the team was signing as if Corona didn't exist. The same day a friend was in Jupiter to see the Mets play the Cardinals and he said he only saw 1 player sign before the game.
Then the following day reports started to come out that teams placed signs at the stadiums that said something to the effect "with the spread of the Corona Virus it was in the best interest to NOT allow players to sign autographs. Players will pre-sign items in the locker room and then the items will be handed out prior and during the games. Some teams stated that the autographs will only be given to kids. I believe the Orioles were the first team to hand out pre-signed autographs.
I just checked some of the FB groups I'm in and some teams are still signing.
Earlier today reports came out that the NBA sent out letters to teams asking if they would consider playing games without fans in attendance. NBA Great Lebron James stated "he would not play games with zero fans". James also said "he plays for the fans".
Also today in the world of sports, Division 3 College basketball playoffs were played in an empty arena at Johns Hopkins in Baltimore.
March Madness starts in 10 days and is played in numerous locations around the country. I have a feeling these games will be played in empty arenas.
I was listening to the radio yesterday and Dr. Oz doesn't think a vaccine will be made available to the public for almost a whole year.
If Corona spreads and effects people in the 10's of thousands, I can see MLB playing games without us fans in the stadium or even canceling the season and I really hope it doesn't come to that.
But, the health of people is more important then a game and our hobby.
I do still have plans for my Hall of Fame Classic weekend. But, as new reports come out. I'm starting to have doubts that trip and the whole baseball season will be lost.
We all need to do our best to stay healthy, safe and hope Corona doesn't effect too many people.
I hope to start writing post more often.
Thank You for Reading and stay safe
Unless you are living under a rock we all have heard that words "Corona Virus" or "Covid-19" in the news for the last few weeks.
It started in China, with approx. 80k cases confirmed and just over 3k deaths and it was only a matter of time before it was spread outside China. Korea, Iran and Italy have confirmed cases over 4k
Next up Cruise Ships were being effected.
As news spread we all wondered when it would surface in the United States and it has. As of today (March 7th 2020) according to CNN there are has been approx. 400 cases with 19 deaths nationwide. Im sure those numbers will rise each and every day.
This past week in my office we received an email that mentioned precautions we should take in the office and even states until Corona is under control they wanted us to avoid shaking hands. They are even considering holding meeting on the phone and not having groups meet in conference rooms.
Corona is now effecting the World of Sports. Spring Training started in February without a hitch and now it is effecting our world of graphing.
A few days ago MLB stated they suggest that players stop having any contact with fans, This included hand shaking, high fives and signing autographs. Teams have slowly started to implement these rules in Spring Training.
I have a few friends that are in Florida at the moment and I've been asking how graphing has been going. A few days ago one friend was in Tampa Rays camp and according to him, the team was signing as if Corona didn't exist. The same day a friend was in Jupiter to see the Mets play the Cardinals and he said he only saw 1 player sign before the game.
Then the following day reports started to come out that teams placed signs at the stadiums that said something to the effect "with the spread of the Corona Virus it was in the best interest to NOT allow players to sign autographs. Players will pre-sign items in the locker room and then the items will be handed out prior and during the games. Some teams stated that the autographs will only be given to kids. I believe the Orioles were the first team to hand out pre-signed autographs.
I just checked some of the FB groups I'm in and some teams are still signing.
Earlier today reports came out that the NBA sent out letters to teams asking if they would consider playing games without fans in attendance. NBA Great Lebron James stated "he would not play games with zero fans". James also said "he plays for the fans".
Also today in the world of sports, Division 3 College basketball playoffs were played in an empty arena at Johns Hopkins in Baltimore.
March Madness starts in 10 days and is played in numerous locations around the country. I have a feeling these games will be played in empty arenas.
I was listening to the radio yesterday and Dr. Oz doesn't think a vaccine will be made available to the public for almost a whole year.
If Corona spreads and effects people in the 10's of thousands, I can see MLB playing games without us fans in the stadium or even canceling the season and I really hope it doesn't come to that.
But, the health of people is more important then a game and our hobby.
I do still have plans for my Hall of Fame Classic weekend. But, as new reports come out. I'm starting to have doubts that trip and the whole baseball season will be lost.
We all need to do our best to stay healthy, safe and hope Corona doesn't effect too many people.
I hope to start writing post more often.
Thank You for Reading and stay safe
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