Coronavirus News: MLB Teams Pledge $30 Million For Ballpark Workers

Following the delay of the 2020 season due to the coronavirus, Major League Baseball teams have come together to offer assistance for ballpark employees.

Baseball commissioner Rob Manfred said on Tuesday that all 30 of the league's team have pledged $1 million each, a total of $30 million, to help employees who will miss income.

“Motivated by desire to help some of the most valuable members of the baseball community, each Club has committed $1 million,” Manfred said in a statement. “The individual clubs will be announcing more details surrounding this support effort in their local communities.”

MLB’s Opening Day, originally set for March 26, was suspended indefinitely in response to the growing outbreak of Covid-19 in the U.S., which has made large social gatherings, like sporting events, a dangerous proposition for public health. Other leagues, including the NBA, NHL, MLS, and XFL have suspended their seasons indefinitely, while events like NCAA’s March Madness tournament and the Boston Marathon have also been called off.

“The timing of these announcements will vary because of the need to coordinate with state and local laws as well as collective bargaining obligations in an effort to maximize the benefits realized by each group of employees,” Manfred explained further. “I am proud that our clubs came together so quickly and uniformly to support these individuals who provide so much to the game we love.”

Most ballpark employees — vendors, ushers, and janitorial staff — are paid per game, so the indefinite cancellation of the season represents a significant loss of income for them. Manfred estimated that the season could resume by mid-May at the earliest. However, with coronavirus spreading across the U.S. at rapid rates, the season could remain in limbo for a good while longer.