The 2020 season didn’t have a true Opening Day. After months of delay and bitter negotiations between the league and the players’ union, every team eventually started playing in empty, lifeless stadiums in August. It didn’t feel anything like Opening Day—no parking lot tailgates, no kids skipping school and lining the baselines to get autographs, no roaring crowds as the home team’s lineup was introduced.
But 2021 Opening Day will feel different. While we’re not yet out of the woods in this pandemic, things feel a good deal more optimistic than they did last August. Small groups of fans will be in stadiums to watch the games, and even just the return of baseball in April brings a welcome feeling of normalcy.


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