Sports fans across the country have been waiting for months, patiently (and not so patiently) hoping for the return of our favorite players to stadiums across the country to play the sports we love. On Thursday, July 30th, the NBA officially returned to action after suspending play on March 11th, with the Clippers and Lakers facing off at Walt Disney World in Florida. Sports are a welcome respite from the sad news of the last 4+ months, and we simply have to cross our fingers that players, staff, and officials can stay safe as these seasons resume.
Something Familiar
Now, I don’t know about you, but I am excited to have sports to watch, even if seasons are shortened, fans are absent, and every league champion will forever have an asterisk next to their title. In the midst of everything that has happened, from Coronavirus to the Black Lives Matter protests, the murder hornets (remember them?), and everything else — there is something so familiar, so comfortable, and so soothing in seeing sports on my television once again.
Numerous leagues are embarking on the rest of their season, including the NHL and NBA, while others are starting their delayed, shortened seasons, such as MLS (Major League Soccer) and MLB (Major League Baseball), and others.
How We Got Here
It’s important to recognize how far we’ve come since March. On Wednesday, March 11th, the National Basketball Association officially suspended the 2019-2020 regular season indefinitely, after Utah Jazz Rudy Gobert tested positive for COVID-19. Shortly thereafter, the NHL did the same, and other leagues across the country followed suit, shutting down seasons, tournaments, and practices. The suspension of these two seasons appears to be a turning point, wherein the majority of U.S. citizens began to take the virus significantly more seriously. When they happened, players, coaches, fans — none of us knew when or if our beloved sports would be back.
A Sight for Sore Eyes
Any fan can speak to the unifying nature of sports. Whether you are teaming up against a common enemy, igniting a lifelong family rivalry, or simply cheering at your local bar with friends — sports have the unique ability to bring people together. I’m hopeful that the coming months can be better than the last, and I’m confident sporting events will play a role in just that.
Not 100% Normal
Sports being back is definitely nice, but as I’ve been watching exhibition matches I can tell the same excitement, the same feelings are simply not there. Pumping in crowd noise is nice, and the music for batters also engenders a sense of realism and normalcy, but the bottom line is that these COVID-adjusted seasons are clearly not what sports fans are used to.
Additionally, the resuming of sports has not gone perfectly: two fulls MLS teams were pulled from the “MLS is Back” tournament. In the NWSL (National Women’s Soccer League), the Orlando Pride withdrew from the tournament after six players and some staff tested positive for coronavirus. Similarly, the Florida Marlins were recently forced to put their season on pause after an outbreak among players and coaches.
While concern abounds, the players are eager to return to their jobs, and fans are happy to see some semblance of what life was like before this pandemic. Even though this version of sports is not what we’re used to, it’s the best we’ve got, and for that I’m excited. So play ball, and let’s forget about the crazy world around us for a couple of hours.
Contributor, designer & admin for JohnHart Gazette.
