From a Distance: Reflections on Delayed MLB Opening Day in a COVID-19 World

Opening Day of the MLB regular season is a very special date circled in my calendar every year, where I work hard to clear my schedule and devote the day to watching inning after inning. This year, the parks were empty, the television was dark and even our Little Leaguer was stuck at home this spring.

The 2020 MLB season was set to commence on March 26, 2020, which would have been the earliest Opening Day in the history of the league. Now, of course, it has been delayed indefinitely due to the tragic and widespread COVID-19 crisis — on hold like so many other and far more critical aspects of our lives. Thus, we’re left longing for the smell of fresh-cut grass, the crack of the bat, the beautifully turned 6-4-3 double play, the inspirational singing of the national anthem, and quality time spent sharing beer and peanuts with family and friends. And while we don’t yet know how long we’ll be waiting for that first pitch, at Morenz Group, we’ve decided to pass on some of the life lessons taken from the game.

With a much-deserved tip of the cap to those fighting this global pandemic on the frontlines, we’re proud to pay tribute to this country’s favorite pastime.

“Always keep swingin’” – Hank Aaron

Baseball is chock full of adversity. Failing 7 out of 10 times at the plate over a career can still earn you a spot in the hall of fame. The best players get stronger with each at bat and they know that failure is simply a stepping-stone to success. What matters most is that you keep stepping up to the plate.

“It isn’t hard to be good from time to time in sports, what is tough is to be good every day” –

Willie Mays

There are no shortcuts or workarounds to becoming great at what you do — you have to consistently put in the effort and dedication to honing your craft. Small things grow into big things. Whether it be on the field, in the board room, or at home, the amount of work you put in determines how much you get out of it.

“Don’t let the fear of striking out get in your way” – Babe Ruth

When swings aren’t translating to hits, it can be all too easy to let doubt or worry infiltrate your headspace. However, this will only make it harder to bounce back on your next appearance. Instead, players need to stay positive by focusing on previous successes and trusting that their process for overcoming a challenge will work. And, a little humor never hurts!

“I love the thrill of victory, but I also love the challenge of defeat” – Lou Gehrig

Every ballplayer follows a different path in their quest to the big leagues. While some experience more slumps than others, there is no straight line. It’s important to remember that the journey is just that: a journey. With so many factors out of your control, the best way to keep moving forward is to recognize the value of the experience itself and how you will grow because of it.

“Baseball ain’t like football. You can’t make up no trick plays.” – Yogi Berra

In baseball, there are no scripted plays. Once you step between the lines, you must be alert at all times to fluid actions and connections – typically non-verbal – and try to position yourself where the ball will be. It’s an everchanging, unpredictable experience — just as life itself. Embrace it!

 

“My job is to give my team a chance to win” – Nolan Ryan

Always try to be the best you can be at your individual craft. But remember you’ll have limited lasting success without being able to weave that skill into the fabric of the team. On the field, individuals often must sacrifice their own stats to advance a runner, secure a put out, or score a run — all for the greater good.

We believe now more than ever, this is a time for our communities and businesses to apply these age-old lessons to keep one another safe and supported. We can look to our heroes to connect us with hope. Let’s be stronger when we get to the other side!