Baseball fans are ready to say goodbye to snowy, cold weather and hello to seeing their favorite athletes in uniform on the Diamond.

And lucky for them, it´s time for spring training.

It seems as though 2021 will be almost back to ¨normal.¨ This season will hold a full 162 games with a few set backs. The goal of this year is to limit extended time together on the field and to keep the players as safe as possible.

Some new rules for the season are as followed:

• Just like last year, double headers will be two seven-inning games
• Each offense will get a runner on second base to start every extra inning
• Active roster limit be 26 players and expand to 28 players in September
• MLB Clubs are permitted to carry 5 additional Taxi Squad players on all road trips
• There will be no universal designated hitter (DH)
• No extended playoffs

Some special dates from this month and coming up soon:

• February 17th- General reporting day- players, coaches, staff all get COVID-19 tested. Players split up and work out for a few days before training begins to get back into their spring bods!
• February 26th– Mandatory Reporting date- all players must be in training with their teams at the correct field and time.
• Sunday February 28th- Spring games start- countdown to opening day is 33 days! The loved Philadelphia Phillies will start their first game against the Detroit Tigers in Port Charlotte, Florida.
• April 1st- Opening day! The phillies will start off with a home opener against the Atlanta Braves at 3:05 pm.
• https://www.mlb.com/schedule/2021-02-26 the full schedule on the MLB website.

Fans have been dying to get the chance to see their favorite teams play right in front of their eyes again. 2021 season may give us a semi-reality. The Boston Red Sox and Minnesota Twins have come out to say that they will allow 2,400 spectators. They will allow tickets to be bought in ¨pods¨ that way people can sit and enjoy with family and friends. Everyone in the stands must remain socially distanced with masks on unless eating or drinking.