The Major League Baseball season in the U.S. begins on April 1. The first day of games is known as Opening Day. For most baseball fans, it is the first time they have been able to see their favorite teams and players since the end of the 2019 season. In 2020, the season started late, and fans were not permitted to come to games during the COVID-19 pandemic. By October, some fans could go to games in controlled environments called bubbles. The Los Angeles Dodgers won the season’s final game and became champions. Historically, Opening Day signals the arrival of spring after a long winter. And baseball fans are filled with excitement and optimism. But this year will be different. Fans are still excited and optimistic, but they are also worried about returning to group events. The Washington Post conducted a poll of sports fans with the help of the University of Maryland. It found that less than half of Americans would feel comfortable attending a sporting event. More fans said they would feel better about attending an outdoor game like baseball compared to an indoor game such as basketball. Also, they would feel better about going to a game if fans were required to wear face coverings, tested for the virus or received a vaccine.
