The one thing that we absolutely know about COVID-19 is that we know absolutely very little about it. Even the most brilliant medical minds continue to be stumped by the worst pandemic to hit the planet in over a century.

But even though newly reported coronavirus cases (and deaths) are hitting record highs by the hour, MLB commissioner Rob Manfred has mandated that today, July 3, 2020, baseball is officially back, with the resumption of what is being called Spring Training-2.

Although this comes as (very) welcome news for every baseball fan on the planet, it also comes just two days after California Governor Gavin Newsom once again ordered all businesses to cease indoor operations and bars to cease all operations in 19 of California’s 58 counties (including LA County) due to the alarming spike in new COVID-19 cases (and deaths):

“I think there’s no question we’re going to have a decent number of positive tests in Spring Training and the season,” Dodgers president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman told reporters during a June 26 Zoom press conference. “And to me, it’s much more about how quick we are to respond to that, the treatment options, the quarantining part of it, making sure it doesn’t spread among the group.”

Although it has yet to be confirmed by the Dodgers, ThinkBlueLA learned through a trusted source on Thursday morning that (at least) 10 persons within the Dodgers organization have tested positive for COVID-19, including (at least) two minor leaguers; one of whom is a top prospect within the organization. Out of respect for him and his family, he shall remain nameless.

All of this said, and with no indication whatsoever that Manfred has any intentions of canceling his proposed 60-game COVID-19-shortened 2020 season, it was great to see – and hear – the crack of the bat at Dodger Stadium on Thursday. And while it is still entirely possible that Manfred could cancel the 2020 season on a moment’s notice, let’s all enjoy this while we can.

Play Ball!

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