With the lack of traditional sporting options continuing during the global coronavirus pandemic, Major League Baseball has found a way to keep players and fans engaged.
Each team has a player representative in the MLB 20 The Show Players League.
During April, they will compete on the Playstation video game for the esteem of their peers and their local Boys and Girls Club.
While this may seem like a silly way to pass time while people are fighting the worst disease to face humanity in a century, it’s for a good cause. Every team has earned $5,000 for their local Boys and Girls Clubs and the winner gets an additional $25,000.
Play ball! Well, sort of.
Play began this weekend with 18 teams getting started. 12 more will commence play on Monday, including the Yankees, led by Tommy Kahnle.
- Teams are organized by their respective divisions.
- However, this is a straight round-robin tournament, with teams playing each other once for three innings in the 29-game season.
- The top 8 teams will advance to the postseason with the best-of-three series for the first two rounds.
- The “World Series” will be played best-of-five.
Ever wonder what ballplayers do during their downtime? Well, now’s the chance to find out who plays video games and who might have more worthwhile pursuits. Just kidding.
The lineup for the season has a good mix of veterans and younger players, marquee names and lesser-knowns. Carl Edwards, Jr. has already earned a 2-2 record for his new club Seattle, after signing with them in the offseason. He, of course, earned a World Series ring by closing out Game 7 of the chaotic 2016 World Series for the Cubs.
There are some established names like Joey Gallo in Texas, Carlos Santana in Cleveland, and Matt Carpenter in St. Louis. Rhys Hoskins is playing for the Phillies while Jeff McNeil is behind the controls for the Mets.
There’s a chance for fans to get to know rising stars like Fernando Tatis, Jr. in San Diego and Bo Bichette in Toronto.
It’s interesting to see the league without any really big-name superstars, especially for a sport that has admitted struggles in connecting with younger fans, many of whom play video games more than actual baseball these days.
If so inclined, games can be followed on Twitch, with live commentary from players and professionals. However, there are no gameday odds or run lines on the major NJ online sportsbooks.
Given the controversies surrounding the eNASCAR competitions, that might be the best for now. Of course, the situation may change as we get to the playoffs and the start of real baseball remains uncertain.
