After a 99-day lockout that threatened the start of the season, the MLB is officially back in business with Opening Day set for April 7.
Courtesy of @RaysBaseball on Twitter
By Max Steele
Following disagreements between Major League Baseball (MLB) owners and the MLB Players Association that forced a lockout spanning over three months, the two parties finally reached a tentative deal on March 10.
The new collective bargaining agreement raises the minimum salary, allows more money for younger players, expands the post-season to 12 teams, gives incentives for teams that promote top prospects, increases payroll thresholds, improves benefits for retired players and more.
In other words, professional baseball is officially back, relieving worried fans across the nation, including Tampa Bay Rays fans and students at the University of South Florida St. Petersburg.
“I was really happy to learn that the season was going to be played,” mass communications major Chris Zingale told The Crow’s Nest. “It would’ve been a huge loss to miss an entire season, especially when there are discussions of the Rays moving out of Florida.”
When asked about his thoughts on the new deal, Zingale believes the athletes got what they deserved and “it’s important that players advocate for themselves.”
Grace Bailey, a digital communication and multimedia journalism major and Tampa Bay Rays’ employee since 2017, stated that she “was really excited when they finally reached an agreement.”
“It was definitely frustrating when the MLB started canceling spring games. I was worried this year was going to be like the 60-game season in 2020.” Bailey said. “The lockout hit fans pretty hard because teams couldn’t post any content about players, so it was hard to stay engaged.”
Shaun Whitcomb, an education major and former baseball player at Milligan College, stated that “the new deal makes a lot of sense for the players” and was relieved to find out the two sides “could come to a middle ground and save the season.”
“Baseball means so much to me,” Whitcomb said. “From playing it for over 16 years of my life, I enjoy every aspect of the game.”
Whitcomb believes the passion for baseball is continuing to grow in St. Petersburg and a prolonged lockout — limiting TV, social media and other revenue opportunities — would have been detrimental for the organization.
“The Rays are a quality team that bring excitement to this area. With so many young and talented players, such as shortstop Wander Franco, I believe this season could be very special and I look forward to taking it all in,” Whitcomb said.
The league’s season is set to start on April 7 with Opening Day ceremonies, followed by the Rays’ first game of the season a day later against the Baltimore Orioles at Tropicana Field.
