The 2020 Major League Baseball season is unlike any other in history due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. Strict health and safety protocols are in place to prevent widespread outbreaks in clubhouses from occurring.
Those that felt uncomfortable with the current conditions were given the opportunity to opt out of playing this year — and still hold that right even as the season progresses. Individuals considered high risk for severe illness can do so without forfeiting their salary.
Thus far, more than a dozen players, coaches and several umpires have informed the league they are not participating this year.
The group includes David Price, who informed the Los Angeles Dodgers of his plans earlier this month. The Dodgers have said that they will support any member of the organization who decides to sit out the year.
That’s why it shouldn’t come as a surprise they are allowing radio broadcaster Charley Steiner to work from home this year, via Jorge Castillo of the L.A. Times:
More than six decades later, Steiner will call Dodgers games on the radio from home for another reason: the novel coronavirus. Steiner turned 71 last Friday and has medical conditions that render him a high-risk individual.
He thought he would work out of the booth at Dodger Stadium with Rick Monday for a 16th straight season until he spoke with his doctor last week. “He said, ‘Well, let me tell you this: As a fan, I would love to have you and Mo back. As a friend, I’m not so sure. As your doctor, are you out of your …. mind?’” Steiner said. “At that point I thought it wasn’t worth it. “I can’t tell anybody what’s right for them. I can only say what’s right for me and I believe in science.”
The 2020 campaign marks Steiner’s 16th with the Dodgers. He signed an extension with the club two years ago that keeps him with the organization through the 2021 season.
Having recently turned 71, Steiner falls in the high risk group for severe illness should he contract COVID-19. He also has underlying medical conditions, which made his decision to call games from home this year an easy one.
Vin Scully welcomes MLB back for Opening Day
As the Dodgers were gearing up to host the San Francisco Giants on Opening Day, Hall-of-Fame broadcaster Vin Scully welcomed back the sport in a special tribute for FOX 11 L.A.
Scully, 92, is now a fourth year into retirement after an illustrious Hall-of-Fame career. He called Dodgers games for 67 seasons, joining the team on their move from Brooklyn to Los Angeles, witnessing 13 National League pennants and six World Series titles.
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