Teams install cardboard cutouts and virtual replicas in their stadiums.
The MLB season is swinging for the fences, and baseball fans are expressing mixed emotions about America's pastime. The main reason: is that fans cannot currently attend baseball games due to COVID-19 concerns, and MLB stadiums are attempting to recreate the experience.
A lot of the teams are funneling fake crowd noise from video games so that it echoes throughout the stadium, while others are placing cardboard cutouts in the stands.
Some stadiums are putting virtual fans in the stands for the viewers at home.
Although, according to the Philadelphia Phillies director of broadcasting and video services, Mark DiNardo, adding cheers is fine, but adding boos is discouraged by the league.
Here's more from DiNardo via the Philly Voice:
"We have been directed by Major League Baseball to try our best, while creating a natural environment, to not bring that into the mix," DiNardo said, laughing. "They specifically asked us that we not add boos to the mix, but it is kind of funny since everyone says that boos are 'so Philly."
Personally, I'm glad there's an imitation audience noise and fake fans, but not everyone is pumped about the idea and claim that we should be focusing on the players instead.
Many fans have gone to social media to share their thoughts on the 2020 MLB season:
An advantage of not having real fans in the audience is the avoidance of the dangers that come along with the game. However, one MLB player's dog (a cutout photo of the dog) got assaulted by a baseball off the bat of Adam Duvall of the Braves. Check out the video here.
Another cutout fan nearly lost his head at the San Francisco Giants and Los Angeles Dodgers game. The smile on his face makes me believe he'll be okay.
The next few weeks are going to be interesting to see whether having fake fans in attendance makes watching games more enjoyable, or if everyone will just get used to it by the end of the season.
What's your opinion on the faux audience and sounds?
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