Staying Connected to Baseball in Times of Uncertainty
Normally this time of year is when MLB fans start to get a little excited. A new year, new possibilities, and spring training just around the corner. However, like almost everything over the last year, baseball fell victim to the COVID-19 pandemic.
While we were able to squeak out a modified 2020 season, there’s really no telling if 2021 will be able to offer us a “normal” MLB schedule. There has already been talk of player safety, pushing back opening day, and a shortened season with the rising number of cases in the United States.
With all of the uncertainty, we’re all pretty much asking the same questions that can’t really be answered. In the meantime, what are we to do to stay connected to the National Pastime?
Here are a few ways that MLB fans have found to stay in touch with their favorite athletes and the league:
Find a New Podcast
Podcasts are great content for anyone on the go. There are plenty of shows dedicated to baseball that you can keep up with while commuting, cooking, working out, or doing just about anything else.
A recent favorite is the Head Games Podcast, a sports and psychology podcast hosted by Dr. Ben Rosenberg and Dr. Bret Levine. The show takes a deep dive into sports of all kinds and the psychology behind them. They have interviewed professional players, sports execs, olympic athletes, and more. And while the show caters to football, basketball, and other sporting fans alike, they have put a heavy focus on baseball in the last few episodes.
A more recent episode features MLB free agent Eric “Nerd Power” Sogard. Eric Sogard has played for the Oakland Athletics, Milwaukee Brewers, Toronto Blue Jays, and Tampa Bay Rays. When he sat down with the Head Games guys he talked about his experience as a platoon player and the mental preparation that takes. He also talks about playing during COVID, team chemistry, locker room culture, and balancing mental and physical health.
On the other side of the game, the Head Games Podcast also featured Dr. Joris Drayer, an analytics and sports marketing expert. Drayer worked for the Moneyball A’s, and also founded the sports marketing program at Temple University. The trio of PhDs talk about the A’s, small market teams, MLB over-under, gambling, and a hot topic for baseball fans: the future of the fandom.
Off the Bench has also previously featured Head Games for their episode with agent Josh Kusnick. Kusnick gives the Head Games duo some hot takes on the happenings in professional baseball and the politics behind them.
Keep up With Your Favorite Players on Social Media
While almost every player is on social media in some form or another, there are a few players that stand out when it comes to the different platforms.
Bauer is a free agent pitcher who is extremely active on YouTube. With over 140k subscribers, he engages with his fans to talk about his career and life outside of baseball. His videos include game day vlogs, breaking down who to sign with, and plenty more with new videos every week.
Stroman is pretty widely known for his active Twitter account, and although he has only been active for about a year, he also posts regularly on Instagram. He is very vocal about the BLM movement, and also shares about his journey through #HDMH (Height Doesn’t Measure Heart).
As a player who is only 5-foot-8, he was told over and over again he would never make it professionally. Stroman took that criticism and turned it into something positive. He founded HDMH apparel, and also the HDMH foundation. This foundation seeks to inspire young people to overcome their obstacles and achieve their dreams.
Dodgers right fielder Markus “Mookie” Betts is very active on his instagram @mookiebetts. With over a million followers, Betts shares a perfect mix of baseball content and his personal, family life.
- Blake Snell-twitch
Blake Snell is not only known for his pitching for the Padres, but he has also gained quite a following on Twitch @classiclyfamous. Snell regularly streams his games and invites his followers to interact with him as he plays Fortnite. Snell also frequently invites other big leaguers to join him in playing popular games.
- Reminisce
With such a rich history, it’s easy to fall in love with baseball over and over again. Take a look back at some of the most iconic plays, games, and interviews of all time. Not only will this help you stay connected, but it might also help you learn about and understand the history of the game. Nonfics, a site devoted to nonfiction film and television, has listed some of the most iconic baseball documentaries.There are also thousands of compilations of historic plays, interviews, and more on YouTube that fans can enjoy and relive.
Here’s to hoping for a “normal” 2021 season, but if we can’t get that, at least we can stay connected and have the next best thing. If you’re missing the league be sure to check out the Head Games Podcast, your favorite player’s social media and some of the great films and videos of baseball history.
