How MLB players are spending 'Opening Day'
What’s everyone doing to pass the time?
— Matt Szczur (@superSZCZ4) March 26, 2020
That's an excellent question from the Philadelphia Phillies minor leaguer and former utility man.
Players from across the league were supposed to be participating in Opening Day festivities on Thursday, but due to the coronavirus pandemic, the season has been put on hold. Players have been sharing what they've been doing on social media.
Some are using the downtime to spread aid awareness.
Right now we’d normally all be celebrating Opening Day, but today it’s much more important to celebrate the true heroes on the front lines. Thank you and can’t wait to see you all soon. pic.twitter.com/b9TccAOgEY
— Hunter Pence (@hunterpence) March 26, 2020
i’m going to match the donations, at $10,735 and pass the ball to other Las Vegas ball players @bryceharper3 & @KrisBryant_23 & @Amir_Garrett
— Dexter Fowler (@DexterFowler) March 26, 2020
HELP ME, HELP VEGAS. share, donate, match, let’s go boys! @threesquareLV
Your batting average, your home runs, your signature means nothing if you’re doing nothing to help our world right now. If you can, help your city. donate. volunteer, or simply spread word.
— Dexter Fowler (@DexterFowler) March 26, 2020
Minnesota Twins slugger Nelson Cruz, Phillies star Bryce Harper, and more are longing to be at the ballpark.
Los Angeles Dodgers teammates Joc Pederson and Cody Bellinger are getting nostalgic for past openers at Dodger Stadium.
Opening day homers make me feel some type of way 🤗 https://t.co/57XzDNO0tU
— Joc Pederson (@yungjoc650) March 26, 2020
Wish we could be at the Ravine today! #OpeningDayAtHome https://t.co/jmBCo1NhTQ
— Cody Bellinger (@Cody_Bellinger) March 26, 2020
Looking back isn't exclusive to the Dodgers, though.
Drip drip. https://t.co/ojblNKv91p
— Marcus Stroman (@STR0) March 26, 2020
Others are simply looking forward to baseball's eventual Opening Day, whenever that might be.
We miss New York, we miss baseball ... We'll be back soon #OpeningDayAtHome pic.twitter.com/5sP1mTnsFe
— Gleyber Torres (@TorresGleyber) March 26, 2020
Cleveland Indians hurlers Mike Clevinger and Shane Bieber agree when it comes to their preferred technique on the four-seam fastball.
The thought of a thumb tuck makes me wanna puke
— Shane Bieber (@ShaneBieber19) March 26, 2020
Phillies first baseman Rhys Hoskins and Miami Marlins infielder Miguel Rojas couldn't make it through the day without some form of baseball, so they squared off against one another in a game of MLB The Show 2020. The whole affair was broadcast on YouTube.
Making the most of what we have now! Should be some fun with @MRojasOfficial 🎮⚾️ #OpeningDayAtHome pic.twitter.com/pE6jQP2stG
— Rhys Hoskins (@rhyshoskins) March 26, 2020
Wish we were at @MarlinsPark today but going to make the best of it. Let’s do this, @rhyshoskins! #OpeningDayAtHome ⚾️👊🏼 pic.twitter.com/dIFUGX1vYP
— Miguel Rojas (@MRojasOfficial) March 26, 2020
Spoiler alert: Hoskins won in a 2-0 nail-biter.
Tampa Bay Rays southpaw Blake Snell was also streaming his time playing The Show.
Playing @MLBTheShow for obvious reasons today! @MLB come join the #OpeningDayAtHome vibez!! https://t.co/TDucwjlEhu
— Blake Snell (@snellzilla4) March 26, 2020
Boston Red Sox lefty Eduardo Rodriguez took things a step further and even suited up before jumping online.
Finally, Twins reliever Trevor May brought the levity.
Twitter I know you’re sad today. Here’s a picture of me swinging at a Lackey curveball to cheer you up.
— Trevor “IamTrevorMay” May (@IamTrevorMay) March 26, 2020
Did it work? pic.twitter.com/G8LOXAFT6c