The Washington Nationals have created a $1 million fund to partly cover the lost payments of stadium employees after the delay of the Major League Baseball’s (MLB) 2020 season due to fears over the coronavirus pandemic.
By pledging the money, the Nationals joined the 29 other MLB teams, each of which is donating $1 million. The total amount donated to the ballpark workers by all 30 clubs will be $30 million.
The Nationals have established a $1 million fund to support our dedicated stadium staff in response to the delay of the 2020 season. pic.twitter.com/MXDwfbT1An
— Washington Nationals (@Nationals) March 17, 2020
“Many of our stadium team members have been part of the Washington Nationals since the beginning. We know the decision to postpone the season was the correct one, but it would be wrong for that decision to disproportionately impact those individuals who rely on income from working games to help support their families,” a statement from the team released on March 18 said.
“We wanted to begin to lessen the worry associated with the season’s delay. As a country, as a region, and as a fan base we are stronger when we support one another.”
MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred announced the initiative only a day after the opening day was pushed back by at least two weeks.
“Over the past 48 hours, I have been approached by representatives of all 30 clubs to help assist the thousands of ballpark employees affected by the delay. Motivated by desire to help some of the most valuable members of the baseball community, each club has committed $1 million,” Manfred said in his statement.
It is not yet clear how and when the funds will be collected and distributed to the stadium staff.