West Villages Improvement District: Braves News: Amidst Drama Between MLB and Players Only Fans Lose

by Jake Mastroianni May 15, 2020
https://tomahawktake.com/2020/05/15/atlanta-braves-news-amidst-drama-mlb-players-fans-lose/

While Atlanta Braves fans sit back and hope to see their favorite team play this year there is serious drama between MLB and the players. Let me be abundantly clear, there is nothing I want more than to watch Atlanta Braves baseball -- or any baseball for that matter -- in 2020. But I also understand the very real-life concerns for having players return to the field in 2020.

However, what's happening between MLB and the players right now is just a sad spectacle to behold.

MLB and the owners are going to place the blame on the players if baseball doesn't happen this year, while the players are going to turn the blame right back around on them.

In this scenario, the only real losers are the fans. Players will ultimately get their money as will the owners, which is what this is mostly about.

While the owners and players gripe over money -- and legitimate health concerns -- fans are left with an empty hole in their life that is usually filled with the entertainment that sports provides.

And to many, yes, sports is inconsequential in the grand scheme of things and I understand that. But sports is much more to many people.

Sports is a way we talk and communicate with others. It gives an introvert like me something to talk about with others in public -- it's a conversation starter.

Baseball is a time for me to take my son to a game and spend a few hours with him watching the game I learned to love with my parents growing up.

Sports is a way we escape from the evil and hardships this world often presents. And especially in a time like this, we need that escape more than ever.

And again, I get it when Blake Snell says the risk is too high ... if he's not getting paid enough.

There is a real reason for concern for the players and staff that would be putting themselves out there. And if I were a player and had a family I'd have those same concerns.

But I'm also trusting that MLB will make this process as safe as possible for the players and staff with backing from health officials. In fact, I feel very confident players will get far better treatment during this than the normal citizen with frequent access to testing.

And we all have to return to our work offices and normalcy at some point, right?

I'm not trying to point fingers at either side here because I think both are to blame at least a little.

While the players will hide behind the safety aspect of it, it really comes down to money for both sides -- as is usually the case.

The owners want to ensure they're not losing money and players want to make sure they're getting the most money they can.

Meanwhile, fans are stuck at home watching re-runs of The Andy Griffith Show for the 100th time (maybe that's just me).

I just want to see the Braves take the field, and I want to see Freddie Freeman healthy to win an MVP, and Ronald Acuna Jr. become one of the best players in baseball. And I want to share those moments with my kid and create those same memories that I have with my parents.

But right now we just have to sit back and watch this drama unfold between the MLB and the players. As each side tries to get the upper hand, fans are simply cast aside.

Ali H. Johnston, MBA in Real Estate
REALTOR®, Lic. Broker #BK3284964