Another result of the Coronavirus scare

[sox83cubs84]

The concern over the spread of COVID19 now has gained an unfortunate, but legitimate foothold in the sports collecting realm.

An article on the 12up website has reported that the New York Yankees players, coaches, and manager had a discussion regarding fan contact during the COVID19 scare. As a result, the Yankees recommended that players, at least for now, stop signing autographs for fans at the ballpark due to concerns about transmitting and/or contracting the disease. Apparently, many people on the Yankees plan to take that advice and stop avoiding autograph signing in person, although others will keep signing for fans at games, with Luke Voit so far being the most vocal in declaring that he's still on board with signing for fans in-person.

Dave Miedema

[sox83cubs84]

A report from the Associated Press states that the league offices of both the NHL and NBA have issued a memo to all of their teams regarding fan/player contact in light of the COVID19 crisis.

The NHL was a bit vague about it, urging the players to avoid contact with the fans on a general basis. However, the memo was more specific from the NBA, as in addition to not signing autographs, players are told not to high-five fans nor strangers.

Dave Miedema

[sox83cubs84]

It seems a few MLB teams have found a way to semi-circumvent the fan contact edict from MLB as far as COVID19 issues go.

The Giants, Nationals, and Indians have opted to have players pre-sign baseball cards, baseballs and other types of items, after which they will be distributed to fans. However. MLB is warning all teams against traditional fan/player face to face meetings to sign what the fans ask them to. To that end, fans will temporarily be prohibited from bringing their own items at MLB games and/or gatherings.

Dave Miedema

[sox83cubs84]

It looks like the restrictions placed on fans in having contact with players. The NHL, NBA, MLB and ALS have all temporarily introduced a policy where the only individuals allowed access to locker rooms and team clubhouses will be the players themselves and other team personnel. Until the COVID19 scare ends, individuals such as family and friends, media members and agents will be prohibited from entry. My only question is: who will be the first agent or sports media figure who angrily respond to a security employee by playing the "Don't you know who I am?" card.

Dave Miedema

[1929tudor]

what about the sports show and autographed guests? the one in Chicago this weekend maybe should be cancelled

[sox83cubs84]

I haven't been made aware of any such news about the show yet. Your question, however, is a valid one, especially in regards to fan/athlete contact during the autograph sessions. The concept, in terms of the current health scare, makes total sense. The only frowny faces would come from fans unaware of the show organizer's actions and, sadly, a few of the more profit-driven dealers, who would squawk because the show's attendance would likely plummet with no autograph guests. Your reasoning is spot on; I'm just not sure how show promoters will respond, both here and at other shows.

Dave Miedema

[sox83cubs84]

Apparently, at least a few teams in both the NHL and MLB are contemplating their games being played either without fans or in another location.

So far, at least 2 NHL teams have been approached by local and/or state government about playing their home games without fans. The Columbus Blue Jackets, despite the recommendation coming from the Governor of Ohio, have declined, for now. The San Jose Sharks, however, are considering this move.

In MLB, the Seattle Mariners are mulling several options, including playing their 2020 home games at their spring training facility in Arizona for at least part of the season, given that the Seattle area has so far been the most affected metropolitan area in the USA.

Dave Miedema

[sox83cubs84]

More updates:

MLS is postponing their season for a minimum of 30 days.

The San Jose Sharks and Columbus Blue Jackets will play home games, but with no fan in the seats.

Dave Miedema

[sox83cubs84]

As of 3:30 PM on 3/12, the Chicago Sports Spectacular website still plans to hold their event. However, as of this point in time 19 autograph guests have cancelled their appearance due to the COVID19 pandemic. This is up from 11 cancellations just this morning.

Dave Miedema

[sox83cubs84]

Just in: MLB has decided to cancel all remaining spring training games and also to delay the start of the 2020 regular season by at least 2 weeks.

Dave Miedema

[sox83cubs84]

As of 3:30 PM on 3/12, the Chicago Sports Spectacular website still plans to hold their event. However, as of this point in time 19 autograph guests have cancelled their appearance due to the COVID19 pandemic. This is up from 11 cancellations just this morning.

Dave Miedema

After mandates issued by Illinois Gov. Jerry Pritzker, this even was cancelled based on crowd size restrictions. The show was officially shut down Thursday evening while a number of dealers were using the evening for early table/booth set-up. No word as of now as to whether the event is totally cancelled or whether it'll be held at a later date.

Dave Miedema

[sox83cubs84]

Also now on the sports-related cancellation list:

Upcoming PGA and LPGA golf tournaments, including the Masters in early April.

The Football Hall of Fame Fan Fest, scheduled for next weekend. However, the general museum grounds are still scheduled to remain open.

Both NASCAR and the Indy Car Series both plan to hold the next racing event for each one, but without fans in the stands.

Dave Miedema

[sox83cubs84]

The ECHL has announced the cancellation of the remainder of their regular season plus their playoffs. The AHL has not made an official announcement as of yet, but is considering doing likewise.

Meanwhile, the UFC circuit has announced that only a full government shutdown will cause them to postpone or cancel UFC bouts.

Dave Miedema

[sox83cubs84]

It looks like offseason activities in the NFL are also being affected. While free agency is still a go, the draft, scheduled for late April, may be postponed, as the Las Vegas casinos owned by MGM and Caesar's are shutting down, with neither planning to re-open until May 1.

Dave Miedema

[sox83cubs84]

The latest sports event to be cancelled due to the COVID19 pandemic is the 2020 World Hockey Championship. This was announced by the International Ice Hockey Foundation, and applies to the event scheduled for May 8-24.

Dave Miedema