2021 MLB season | |
---|---|
League | Major League Baseball |
Sport | Baseball |
Duration | April 1 – November 2, 2021 |
Number of games | 162 |
Number of teams | 30 |
TV partner(s) | Fox/FS1, TBS, ESPN/ABC, MLB Network, Sportsnet |
Draft | |
Top draft pick | Henry Davis |
Picked by | Pittsburgh Pirates |
Regular season | |
Season MVP | AL: Shohei Ohtani (LAA) NL: Bryce Harper (PHI) |
Postseason | |
AL champions | Houston Astros |
AL runners-up | Boston Red Sox |
NL champions | Atlanta Braves |
NL runners-up | Los Angeles Dodgers |
World Series | |
Champions | Atlanta Braves |
Runners-up | Houston Astros |
World Series MVP | Jorge Soler (ATL) |
The 2021 Major League Baseball season began on April 1, while the regular season ended on October 3. [1] The postseason began on October 5. The World Series then began on October 26 and ended on November 2 with the Atlanta Braves defeating the Houston Astros in six games to win their second title since moving to Atlanta.
For the second consecutive year, cross-border travel restrictions due to the COVID-19 pandemic forced the Toronto Blue Jays to open their home schedule in the United States, with tenures in Dunedin, Florida, [2] and Buffalo, New York. [3] Later, the Canadian government granted an exemption to allow the Blue Jays to return to Rogers Centre in Toronto, Ontario, beginning July 30. [4]
The 91st All-Star Game held on July 13 was supposed to be held at Truist Park, the home of the Braves, but league officials moved the game to Coors Field, home of the Colorado Rockies, following the passage of the Georgia Senate Bill 202 by the Georgia General Assembly, which MLB considered to be restrictive of voting rights. [5] [6]
This was the final season of the Cleveland Indians competing with that nickname. On December 14, 2020, the team announced that they would unveil their new moniker and associated uniform and stadium changes before the 2022 season to replace the 106-year-old nickname. [7] On July 23, the Indians revealed that their new nickname would be the "Guardians", debuting the following season. [8]
Major League Baseball announced the 2021 regular season schedule on July 9, 2020. [9] A full 162-game season was played. As has been the case since 2013, all teams played their four division opponents 19 times each for a total of 76 games. They played six to seven games against each of the other ten same-league opponents for a total of 66 games, and 20 interleague games. For the second season in a row, interleague play will be between corresponding regions (AL East vs. NL East, AL Central vs. NL Central, and AL West vs. NL West) rather than continue the annual rotation. This included the New York Mets and New York Yankees being scheduled to play a series from September 10–12, which featured commemorations of the 20th anniversary of the September 11 attacks in 2001. [9] The 20 interleague games each team played consisted of two three-game series (one home, one away) against its natural rival (total of six games), two two-game series (one home, one away) against each team for two other opponents (total of eight games), and a single three-game series against each team for the last two (one home, one away; total of six games).
The MLB at Field of Dreams game, originally scheduled for 2020 but canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic, featured a matchup between the New York Yankees and the Chicago White Sox at a purpose-built ballpark in Dyersville, Iowa on August 12. [10] The White Sox won the game 9–8 when Tim Anderson hit a walk-off two-run home run in the bottom of the ninth.
The 2021 MLB Little League Classic featured a matchup between the Los Angeles Angels and the Cleveland Indians at Bowman Field in Williamsport, Pennsylvania, on August 22. [11] The Indians won the game 3–0. [12]
On February 9, Major League Baseball announced the following temporary rule changes for the 2020 season would continue in the 2021 regular season: [13]
Additionally, the broader use of suspended games was carried over from the 2020 season: [14]
An increase of the active roster size to 26 players, originally planned for the 2020 season, took effect. Other changes that had also been planned—a limit of 13 pitchers on active rosters and restrictions on position players pitching—were waived for 2021. [15]
COVID-19 protocols from the 2020 season remain in effect, but may be eased by teams once 85% of their tier-one staff (players, manager staff) are fully vaccinated. [16]
On June 15, MLB announced that any player found with a foreign substance (used to doctor a baseball or to improve their grip on a baseball) would be immediately ejected from the game, and would receive a 10-game suspension. [17] Heightened enforcement of existing rules that prohibit such substances began after widespread use by pitchers to increase their grip and spin rate. [18]
Spring training for the 2021 season began in late February and lasted through March. Teams began workouts and practice for spring training beginning in late February. Pitchers and catchers reported first, followed by position players a few days later. [19]
Prior to the start of the regular season, each team played between 24 and 29 spring training games, beginning on February 28. There were several times during spring training where a team had two different squads playing different teams simultaneously. In addition to spring training games, teams occasionally played exhibition games with non-MLB teams, such as Minor League Baseball teams, independent teams, or college teams. These exhibition games were not counted in spring training standings. Spring training ended on March 30, two days before the Opening Day.
Team | W | L | Pct. | GB | Home | Road |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
(1) Tampa Bay Rays | 100 | 62 | .617 | — | 52–29 | 48–33 |
(4) Boston Red Sox | 92 | 70 | .568 | 8 | 49–32 | 43–38 |
(5) New York Yankees | 92 | 70 | .568 | 8 | 46–35 | 46–35 |
Toronto Blue Jays | 91 | 71 | .562 | 9 | 47–33 | 44–38 |
Baltimore Orioles | 52 | 110 | .321 | 48 | 27–54 | 25–56 |
Team | W | L | Pct. | GB | Home | Road |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
(3) Chicago White Sox | 93 | 69 | .574 | — | 53–28 | 40–41 |
Cleveland Indians | 80 | 82 | .494 | 13 | 40–41 | 40–41 |
Detroit Tigers | 77 | 85 | .475 | 16 | 42–39 | 35–46 |
Kansas City Royals | 74 | 88 | .457 | 19 | 39–42 | 35–46 |
Minnesota Twins | 73 | 89 | .451 | 20 | 38–43 | 35–46 |
Team | W | L | Pct. | GB | Home | Road |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
(2) Houston Astros | 95 | 67 | .586 | — | 51–30 | 44–37 |
Seattle Mariners | 90 | 72 | .556 | 5 | 46–35 | 44–37 |
Oakland Athletics | 86 | 76 | .531 | 9 | 43–38 | 43–38 |
Los Angeles Angels | 77 | 85 | .475 | 18 | 40–42 | 37–43 |
Texas Rangers | 60 | 102 | .370 | 35 | 36–45 | 24–57 |
Team | W | L | Pct. | GB | Home | Road |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
(3) Atlanta Braves | 88 | 73 | .547 | — | 42–38 | 46–35 |
Philadelphia Phillies | 82 | 80 | .506 | 6½ | 47–34 | 35–46 |
New York Mets | 77 | 85 | .475 | 11½ | 47–34 | 30–51 |
Miami Marlins | 67 | 95 | .414 | 21½ | 42–39 | 25–56 |
Washington Nationals | 65 | 97 | .401 | 23½ | 35–46 | 30–51 |
Team | W | L | Pct. | GB | Home | Road |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
(2) Milwaukee Brewers | 95 | 67 | .586 | — | 45–36 | 50–31 |
(5) St. Louis Cardinals | 90 | 72 | .556 | 5 | 45–36 | 45–36 |
Cincinnati Reds | 83 | 79 | .512 | 12 | 44–37 | 39–42 |
Chicago Cubs | 71 | 91 | .438 | 24 | 39–42 | 32–49 |
Pittsburgh Pirates | 61 | 101 | .377 | 34 | 37–44 | 24–57 |
Team | W | L | Pct. | GB | Home | Road |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
(1) San Francisco Giants | 107 | 55 | .660 | — | 54–27 | 53–28 |
(4) Los Angeles Dodgers | 106 | 56 | .654 | 1 | 58–23 | 48–33 |
San Diego Padres | 79 | 83 | .488 | 28 | 45–36 | 34–47 |
Colorado Rockies | 74 | 87 | .460 | 32½ | 48–33 | 26–54 |
Arizona Diamondbacks | 52 | 110 | .321 | 55 | 32–49 | 20–61 |
Wild Card Games (ALWC, NLWC) | Division Series (ALDS, NLDS) | League Championship Series (ALCS, NLCS) | World Series | ||||||||||||||||
1 | Tampa Bay | 1 | |||||||||||||||||
4 | Boston | 6 | 4 | Boston | 3 | ||||||||||||||
5 | NY Yankees | 2 | American League | 4 | Boston | 2 | |||||||||||||
2 | Houston | 4 | |||||||||||||||||
2 | Houston | 3 | |||||||||||||||||
3 | Chicago White Sox | 1 | |||||||||||||||||
AL2 | Houston | 2 | |||||||||||||||||
NL3 | Atlanta | 4 | |||||||||||||||||
1 | San Francisco | 2 | |||||||||||||||||
4 | LA Dodgers | 3 | 4 | LA Dodgers | 3 | ||||||||||||||
5 | St. Louis | 1 | National League | 4 | LA Dodgers | 2 | |||||||||||||
3 | Atlanta | 4 | |||||||||||||||||
2 | Milwaukee | 1 | |||||||||||||||||
3 | Atlanta | 3 |
Team | Former GM | Reason For Leaving | New GM | Notes |
---|---|---|---|---|
Los Angeles Angels | Billy Eppler | Fired | Perry Minasian | On September 27, 2020, the Angels fired Billy Eppler after five seasons as general manager just after the 2020 season, with one year remaining on his contract after they were quietly extended over the summer. [20] Eppler was hired after the 2015 season. Under his tenure, the Angels had five straight losing seasons with no playoffs appearance. On November 12, the Angels hired Perry Minasian as his replacement. [21] |
Philadelphia Phillies | Matt Klentak | Resigned | Sam Fuld | On October 3, 2020, Matt Klentak stepped down after a third straight September collapse left the team out of the postseason for the ninth consecutive season. The 40-year-old was reassigned to another position in the organization while Ned Rice served as interim general manager until the Phillies hired Dave Dombrowski as President of baseball operations. [22] On December 22, Fuld was announced as the next GM of the Phillies. [23] |
New York Mets | Brodie Van Wagenen | Fired | Jared Porter | On November 6, 2020, the Mets parted ways with Brodie Van Wagenen after two seasons as general manager, hours after Steve Cohen became the new owner of the team. [24] On December 13, the Mets announced Jared Porter as their new general manager. [25] |
Jared Porter | Zack Scott (interim) | On January 18, ESPN revealed that Porter had sent inappropriate images to a female reporter. On January 19, Steve Cohen tweeted that Porter had been fired. [26] On January 27, the Mets named Zack Scott as interim general manager. [27] | ||
Miami Marlins | Michael Hill | Contract Not Renewed | Kim Ng | Michael Hill was not retained by the Marlins after the 2020 season. On November 13, 2020, the Marlins hired Kim Ng as his replacement, making her the first female general manager in league history. [28] |
Chicago Cubs | Theo Epstein | Resigned | Jed Hoyer | On November 17, 2020, Theo Epstein announced that he will step down from his role with the Cubs. Jed Hoyer was promoted to take his place. [29] |
Texas Rangers | Jon Daniels | Chris Young | On December 4, 2020, Jon Daniels, who remains president of baseball operations, announced that he step down from his role as general manager. Chris Young was hired to take his place. [30] |
Team | Former Manager | Interim Manager | Reason For Leaving | New Manager | Notes |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Detroit Tigers | Ron Gardenhire | Lloyd McClendon | Retired | A. J. Hinch | On September 19, 2020, Gardenhire announced his retirement due to health concerns. Lloyd McClendon was named interim manager for the rest of the season that same day. Gardenhire finished with a 132–241 (.354) record in just under three seasons. The Tigers did not make the playoffs during his tenure. [31] The Tigers hired A.J. Hinch on October 30 as their new manager. [32] In seven seasons, Hinch has accumulated a 570–472 (.547) record while managing the Houston Astros and Arizona Diamondbacks. He led the Astros to two World Series appearances, winning in 2017 against the Los Angeles Dodgers and losing in 2019 to the Washington Nationals, both in seven games. |
Boston Red Sox | Ron Roenicke | None | Contract Not Renewed | Alex Cora | On September 27, 2020, the Red Sox announced that Roenicke would not be retained for the 2021 season after only one season following the team and Alex Cora parting ways. [33] Roenicke finished his only season with a 24–36 (.400) record and did not make the postseason. Cora was re-hired on November 6 after serving a one-year suspension imposed by MLB for his role in the Houston Astros sign stealing scandal. [34] Prior to his suspension, Cora was 192–132 (.593) in two seasons with the Red Sox, leading the team to a World Series win in his first season. |
Chicago White Sox | Rick Renteria | Fired | Tony La Russa | On October 12, 2020, the White Sox announced that Renteria would not return, ending his tenure with the team after four years with one year remaining on his contract. Renteria finished with a record of 236–309 (.433) and one playoff appearance. [35] On October 29, it was announced that Tony La Russa would return to the White Sox as manager. La Russa managed the White Sox during 1979–1986, compiling a 522–510 (.506) record and one playoff appearance. At the age of 76, La Russa became the oldest manager in the majors. He had not managed any team since the St. Louis Cardinals in 2011. [36] |
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Players were selected through fan votes (50%) and votes from a panel of experts (50%). The winners were selected based on merit, with no set number of nominees per position and no distinction between leagues.
All-MLB Team | ||
---|---|---|
Position | First Team | Second Team |
Starting pitcher | Walker Buehler (LAD) | Max Fried (ATL) |
Corbin Burnes (MIL) | Kevin Gausman (SF) | |
Gerrit Cole (NYY) | Shohei Ohtani (LAA) | |
Robbie Ray (TOR) | Julio Urías (LAD) | |
Max Scherzer (LAD)/(WSH) | Zack Wheeler (PHI) | |
Relief pitcher | Josh Hader (MIL) | Raisel Iglesias (LAA) |
Liam Hendriks (CWS) | Kenley Jansen (LAD) | |
Designated hitter | Shohei Ohtani (LAA) | Yordan Alvarez (HOU) |
Catcher | Salvador Perez (KC) | Buster Posey (SF) |
1st Base | Vladimir Guerrero Jr. (TOR) | Freddie Freeman (ATL) |
2nd Base | Marcus Semien (TOR) | Ozzie Albies (ATL) |
3rd Base | Austin Riley (ATL) | Rafael Devers (BOS) |
Shortstop | Fernando Tatis Jr. (SD) | Trea Turner (LAD)/(WSH) |
Outfield | Bryce Harper (PHI) | Nick Castellanos (CIN) |
Aaron Judge (NYY) | Teoscar Hernández (TOR) | |
Juan Soto (WSH) | Kyle Tucker (HOU) |
Fielding Bible Awards | ||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Position | Player | |||||||
Pitcher | Dallas Keuchel (CWS) | |||||||
Catcher | Jacob Stallings (PIT) | |||||||
1st Base | Paul Goldschmidt (STL) | |||||||
2nd Base | Whit Merrifield (KC) | |||||||
3rd Base | Ke'Bryan Hayes (PIT) | |||||||
Shortstop | Carlos Correa (HOU) | |||||||
Left Field | Tyler O'Neill (STL) | |||||||
Center Field | Michael A. Taylor (KC) | |||||||
Right Field | Aaron Judge (NYY) | |||||||
Multi-position | Kiké Hernández (BOS) |
Player of the Month
| Rookie of the Month
|
Pitcher of the Month
| Reliever of the Month
|
Team name | Wins | %± | Home attendance | Per game | Est. payroll | %± |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Los Angeles Dodgers [138] | 106 | 146.5% | 2,804,693 | 34,626 | $248,108,334 | 14.6% |
Atlanta Braves [139] | 88 | 151.4% | 2,299,647 | 28,746 | $127,230,000 | −2.7% |
San Diego Padres [140] | 79 | 113.5% | 2,191,950 | 27,061 | $151,984,286 | 7.1% |
Texas Rangers [141] | 60 | 172.7% | 2,110,258 | 26,053 | $67,890,999 | −44.5% |
St. Louis Cardinals [142] | 90 | 200.0% | 2,102,530 | 25,957 | $155,329,667 | 1.3% |
Houston Astros [143] | 95 | 227.6% | 2,068,509 | 25,537 | $190,400,000 | −12.3% |
Chicago Cubs [144] | 71 | 108.8% | 1,978,934 | 24,431 | $144,413,500 | −20.5% |
New York Yankees [145] | 92 | 178.8% | 1,959,854 | 24,196 | $209,799,047 | −4.0% |
Colorado Rockies [146] | 74 | 184.6% | 1,938,645 | 23,934 | $92,675,000 | −36.0% |
Milwaukee Brewers [147] | 95 | 227.6% | 1,824,282 | 22,522 | $85,517,626 | −17.4% |
Boston Red Sox [148] | 92 | 283.3% | 1,725,323 | 21,300 | $156,095,000 | −9.2% |
San Francisco Giants [149] | 107 | 269.0% | 1,679,484 | 20,734 | $150,863,778 | −1.4% |
Chicago White Sox [150] | 93 | 165.7% | 1,596,385 | 19,708 | $115,546,333 | −3.0% |
Philadelphia Phillies [151] | 82 | 192.9% | 1,515,890 | 18,715 | $185,286,962 | 8.9% |
Los Angeles Angels [152] | 77 | 196.2% | 1,515,689 | 18,484 | $188,408,595 | 3.9% |
New York Mets [153] | 77 | 196.2% | 1,511,926 | 18,666 | $184,675,167 | 13.9% |
Cincinnati Reds [154] | 83 | 167.7% | 1,505,024 | 18,581 | $116,784,881 | −3.3% |
Washington Nationals [155] | 65 | 150.0% | 1,465,543 | 18,093 | $172,370,147 | 0.1% |
Minnesota Twins [156] | 73 | 102.8% | 1,310,199 | 16,175 | $120,158,333 | −10.9% |
Seattle Mariners [157] | 90 | 233.3% | 1,215,985 | 15,012 | $64,605,500 | −30.0% |
Kansas City Royals [158] | 74 | 184.6% | 1,159,613 | 14,316 | $86,820,000 | 26.6% |
Cleveland Indians [159] | 80 | 128.6% | 1,114,368 | 13,758 | $50,425,500 | −50.6% |
Detroit Tigers [160] | 77 | 234.8% | 1,102,621 | 13,613 | $78,590,500 | −11.1% |
Arizona Diamondbacks [161] | 52 | 108.0% | 1,043,010 | 12,877 | $77,691,667 | −11.9% |
Pittsburgh Pirates [162] | 61 | 221.1% | 859,498 | 10,611 | $50,255,000 | 1.3% |
Toronto Blue Jays [163] | 91 | 184.4% | 805,901 | 10,074 | $121,694,071 | 60.0% |
Baltimore Orioles [164] | 52 | 108.0% | 793,229 | 9,793 | $42,075,000 | −19.4% |
Tampa Bay Rays [165] | 100 | 150.0% | 761,072 | 9,396 | $52,937,166 | −6.1% |
Oakland Athletics [166] | 86 | 138.9% | 701,430 | 8,660 | $94,555,834 | 10.4% |
Miami Marlins [167] | 67 | 116.1% | 642,617 | 7,934 | $33,150,000 | −51.6% |
Team | Special occasion |
---|---|
All teams | #42 patch for Jackie Robinson Day (April 15) |
Pink ribbons for breast cancer awareness (May 9, Mother's Day) | |
Patch for Armed Forces Day (May 15) | |
Poppy for Memorial Day (May 31) | |
"4-ALS" patch for Lou Gehrig Day (June 2) [168] (Cleveland wore them July 28) | |
"Play Ball" patch in partnership with USA Baseball and USA Softball (June 5–7) | |
Blue ribbons for prostate cancer (June 20, Father's Day) | |
Gold ribbons for childhood cancer (September 1) | |
#21 patch honoring Roberto Clemente (September 15) | |
Atlanta Braves | Sesquicentennial Season In memory of Hank Aaron In memory of Phil Niekro |
Arizona Diamondbacks | 20th anniversary of 2001 World Series championship |
Baltimore Orioles | 55th anniversary of 1966 World Series championship |
Boston Red Sox | Patch for Earth Day (April 22) |
Chicago White Sox | In memory of Martyl Reinsdorf (from July 9) |
Cincinnati Reds | 45th anniversary of 1976 World Series championship #8 patch in memory of Joe Morgan [169] |
Colorado Rockies | 2021 Major League Baseball All-Star Game |
Los Angeles Dodgers | 40th anniversary of 1981 World Series championship 2020 World Series championship (April 9) #2 patch in memory of Tommy Lasorda [170] #20 patch in memory of Don Sutton [170] |
Los Angeles Angels | 60th anniversary season |
Milwaukee Brewers | #44 patch in memory of Hank Aaron [171] |
Minnesota Twins | 30th anniversary of 1991 World Series championship In memory of Mike Bell |
New York Mets | 35th anniversary of 1986 World Series championship #41 patch in memory of Tom Seaver [172] |
New York Yankees | 25th anniversary of 1996 World Series championship 60th anniversary of 1961 championship 65th anniversary of 1956 championship #16 patch in memory of Whitey Ford [173] [174] 80th anniversary of 1941 World Series championship |
Oakland Athletics | 110th anniversary of 1911 World Series championship |
Philadelphia Phillies | #15 patch in memory of Dick Allen [175] |
Pittsburgh Pirates | 50th anniversary of 1971 World Series championship |
San Francisco Giants | 100th anniversary of 1921 World Series championship First MLB team to wear a Pride Patch [176] |
St. Louis Cardinals | 15th anniversary of 2006 World Series championship 10th anniversary of 2011 World Series championship #45 patch in memory of Bob Gibson [177] 90th anniversary of 1931 World Series championship |
The Nike MLB "City Connect" program aims to create new uniform designs inspired by the teams' home cities. [179] [180] The following teams released alternate uniforms as part of Nike's "City Connect" series:
The Milwaukee Brewers' Miller Park was renamed American Family Field after Madison, Wisconsin-based American Family Insurance outbid the Miller Brewing Company for the ballpark's naming rights. Miller's 20-year contract expired at the end of the 2020 season. [196] [197]
On March 31, the Miami Marlins announced that Marlins Park would be renamed to LoanDepot Park, as the naming rights were sold to Lake Forest, California-based LoanDepot. [198]
This section needs additional citations for verification .(October 2022) |
Unlike 2020, where all games (except the NLCS and World Series) were played behind closed doors, all MLB teams allowed in-person attendance this season; initial capacities were determined by teams and local health officials, and gradually increased to full capacity over the course of the season as active cases declined and more local residents received COVID-19 vaccines. [199] [200] [201] To help promote vaccination, a number of teams announced that they would sponsor walk-in clinics at their home games (with the Seattle Mariners being the first to do so), and offer promotions such as merchandise or game tickets for those who use the clinics (Atlanta, New York Mets and Yankees), or other promotions for vaccinated spectators at games. [202] [200]
On February 18, the Toronto Blue Jays announced that they would open the home portion of their schedule at TD Ballpark in Dunedin, Florida due to travel restrictions enforced by the Canadian federal government. [2] On May 5, it was announced that the Blue Jays would return to Sahlen Field in Buffalo—where the team played the majority of their home games in 2020—on June 1. [3] On July 16, the Blue Jays received a National Interest Exemption from the Canadian government to host games at Rogers Centre beginning July 30. [4]
Team | Limitations | Source |
---|---|---|
Arizona | Initial: Capped at 25% capacity. From May 25: Full capacity. | [199] |
Atlanta | Initial: Capped at 33% capacity. From April 23: Capped at 50% capacity. From May 7: Full capacity. | [199] [203] |
Baltimore | Initial: Capped at 25% capacity. From June 1: Full capacity. | [199] |
Boston | Initial: Capped at 12% capacity. From May 10: Capped at 25% capacity. From May 29: Full capacity. | [199] [204] |
Chicago Cubs | Initial: Capped at 20% capacity. From June 11: Full capacity. | [199] [205] |
Chicago White Sox | ||
Cincinnati | Initial: Capped at 30% capacity. From April 30: Capped at 40% capacity. From June 2: Full capacity. | [199] [206] |
Cleveland | Initial: Capped at 30% capacity. From May 7: Capped at 40% capacity From June 2: Full capacity | [199] [207] [208] |
Colorado | Initial: Capped at 42.6% capacity. From June 1: 70% capacity. From June 28: Full capacity. | [199] [209] [210] |
Detroit | Initial: Capped at 20% capacity. From June 1: Full capacity. | [199] |
Houston | Initial: Capped at 50% capacity. From May 25: Full capacity. | [211] |
Kansas City | Initial: Capped at 30% capacity. From May 31: Full capacity. | [199] |
Los Angeles Angels | Initial: Capped at 33% capacity. From May 19: Capped at 67% capacity. From June 17: Full capacity. | [199] [201] [212] |
Los Angeles Dodgers | Initial: Capped at 33% capacity. From May 5: Capped at 67% capacity. From June 15: Full capacity. | [199] [201] |
Miami | Initial: Capped at 25% capacity. From July 5: Full capacity. | [199] |
Milwaukee | Initial: Capped at 25% capacity. From June 25: Full capacity. | [199] |
Minnesota | Initial: Capped at 25% capacity. From July 5: Full capacity. | [199] |
New York Mets | Initial: Capped at 20% capacity with negative COVID-19 PCR test within past 72 hours, negative COVID-19 rapid antigen test within past six hours, or vaccination completed no fewer than 14 days prior to the game. From May 19: Stadium sections that are not reserved to fully-vaccinated spectators are capped at 33% capacity. All other sections have no capacity limit. From June 18: Full capacity | [199] [213] [214] [200] |
New York Yankees | ||
Oakland | Initial: Capped at 33% capacity. Tickets sold to California residents only. From June 9: Capped at 67% capacity. From June 29: Full capacity. | [199] [201] |
Philadelphia | Initial: Capped at 20% capacity. From May 21: Capped at 16,000 spectators. From June 12: Full capacity. | [199] [215] |
Pittsburgh | Initial: Capped at 20% capacity. From July 1: Full capacity. | [199] |
San Diego | Initial: Capped at 20% capacity. From April 7: Capped at 33% capacity. From June 9: Capped at 67% capacity. From June 17: Full capacity. | [201] |
San Francisco | Initial: Capped at 33% capacity. From May 5: Capped at 67% capacity. From June 25: Full capacity. | [199] [201] |
Seattle | Initial: Capped at 9,000 spectators. From May 13: Capped at 14,000 spectators. From July 2: Full capacity. | [199] [216] |
St. Louis | Initial: Capped at 32% capacity. From May 21: Capped at 60% capacity. From June 14: Full capacity. | [199] [217] |
Tampa Bay | Initial: Capped at 9,000 spectators. From June 8: Capped at 20,000 spectators. From July 5: Full capacity (25,000. due maximum capacity at Tropicana field due to renovations to the upper decks). | [218] [219] [220] |
Toronto | Initial (TD Ballpark): 15% capacity. From June 1 (Sahlen Field): 50% capacity. From June 24 (Sahlen Field): Full capacity. From July 30 (Rogers Centre): Capped at 15,000 spectators (30%) From September 13 (Rogers Centre): Proof of vaccination or negative test required for all attendees 12 and older | [199] [221] [222] [223] [224] |
Texas | On March 11, it was announced that the team would not limit attendance for their home opener, but will voluntarily offer designated "distanced seating" sections afterwards. All mandatory capacity restrictions and mask requirements in Texas were lifted on March 10 via executive order, but the team will still mandate masks to be worn by spectators. | [225] [226] [227] |
Washington | Initial: Capped at 5,000 spectators. From April 15: Capped at 10,000 spectators. From June 10: Full capacity. | [228] [229] |
This was the eighth and final year of the contracts with Fox, ESPN, and TBS before the new seven-year deals begin in 2022. FS1 televised games on Tuesday nights and on Saturday, both during the afternoon and evening. Fox also aired some Saturday night games. ESPN televised games on its flagship Sunday Night Baseball as well as Monday and Wednesday night games and holiday games on Memorial Day and Labor Day. ESPN Sunday Night Baseball telecasts were exclusive.
TBS televised 13 straight weeks of Sunday afternoon games and also televised the National League postseason. The American League postseason was split between ESPN, Fox/FS1, and MLB Network (AL Wild Card on ESPN, the ALDS split between FS1 and MLB Network, and the ALCS on Fox and FS1). For the 22nd straight year, the 2021 World Series aired exclusively on Fox. [230]
A three-game series between the Philadelphia Phillies and the San Francisco Giants, whose regional television rights were both held by the NBC Sports Regional Networks, aired exclusively and nationally on NBC's streaming service Peacock. The first time that NBC Sports produced a nationally televised Major League Baseball game since the year 2000. [231]
ABC televised a Sunday Night Baseball matchup between the Chicago White Sox and the Chicago Cubs on August 8. The broadcast marked ABC's first broadcast of Sunday Night Baseball and the first regular season game it has broadcast since its involvement in The Baseball Network in 1995. Former ABC broadcaster and 2021 Ford C. Frick Award winner Al Michaels appeared as a special guest. [232]
The following players retired during the 2021 season and before the start of 2022 campaign:
In baseball, a no-hitter or no-hit game is a game in which a team does not record a hit through conventional methods. Major League Baseball (MLB) officially defines a no-hitter as a completed game in which a team that batted in at least nine complete innings recorded no hits. A pitcher who prevents the opposing team from achieving a hit is thereby said to have "thrown a no-hitter". In most cases, no-hitters are recorded by a single pitcher who throws a complete game; one thrown by two or more pitchers is a combined no-hitter.
Carl Demonte Crawford, nicknamed "the Perfect Storm", is an American former professional baseball left fielder. He played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the Tampa Bay Rays, Boston Red Sox and Los Angeles Dodgers. He batted and threw left-handed.
Paul Henry Konerko is an American former professional baseball player. He played in Major League Baseball (MLB) as a first baseman from 1997 to 2014, most prominently as a member of the Chicago White Sox, where he was a six-time American League All-Star and team captain for the 2005 World Series winning team. Konerko began his career with the Los Angeles Dodgers and the Cincinnati Reds. In 2014, Konerko was named the recipient of the prestigious Roberto Clemente Award.
Aaron Ryan Rowand is an American former professional baseball center fielder in Major League Baseball. He played for the Chicago White Sox, Philadelphia Phillies, and the San Francisco Giants and won two World Series championships. During his playing days, Rowand stood 6 feet (1.8 m) tall and weighed 210 pounds (95 kg). He batted and threw right-handed.
David Wade Ross is an American former professional baseball catcher and manager. He managed the Chicago Cubs of Major League Baseball (MLB) from 2020 to 2023. He played in MLB for 15 seasons.
Manuel Arístides Ramírez Onelcida is a Dominican-American former professional baseball outfielder. He played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for parts of 19 seasons. He played with the Cleveland Indians, Boston Red Sox, Los Angeles Dodgers, Chicago White Sox, and Tampa Bay Rays before playing one season at the Chinese Professional Baseball League in Taiwan. Ramirez is recognized for having great batting skill and power. He was a nine-time Silver Slugger and was one of 28 players to hit 500 career home runs. His 21 grand slams are third all-time, and his 29 postseason home runs are the most in MLB history. He appeared in 12 All-Star Games, with a streak of eleven consecutive games beginning in 1998 that included every season that he played with the Red Sox.
Hanley Ramírez is a Dominican-American former professional baseball shortstop. He played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the Boston Red Sox, Florida / Miami Marlins, Los Angeles Dodgers, and Cleveland Indians. Ramírez is a three-time MLB All-Star and received the 2006 National League Rookie of the Year Award. While he played the majority of his career at shortstop, he also played first base, third base and left field.
Fernando Gabriel Tatís Medina Sr. is a Dominican former professional baseball third baseman who is the manager of the Estrellas Orientales of the Dominican Professional Baseball League. Over his 11-year Major League Baseball (MLB) career, Tatís played for the Texas Rangers, St. Louis Cardinals, Montreal Expos, Baltimore Orioles, and New York Mets. He holds the major league record for runs batted in (RBI) in an inning, a feat that he achieved by hitting two grand slams in one inning during a game on April 23, 1999, becoming the only player in MLB history to do so. His son, Fernando Jr., plays for the San Diego Padres.
In baseball, a grand slam is a home run hit with all three bases occupied by baserunners, thereby scoring four runs—the most possible in one play. According to The Dickson Baseball Dictionary, the term originated in the card game of contract bridge, in which a grand slam involves taking all the possible tricks. The word slam, by itself, usually is connected with a loud sound, particularly of a door being closed with excess force; thus, slamming the door on one's opponent(s), in addition to the bat slamming the ball into a home run.
David Taylor Price is an American former professional baseball pitcher. Price was selected first overall in the 2007 Major League Baseball draft by the Tampa Bay Devil Rays and made his Major League Baseball (MLB) debut in September 2008. He also played for the Detroit Tigers, Toronto Blue Jays, Boston Red Sox, and Los Angeles Dodgers.
William Joshua Reddick is an American former professional baseball outfielder. The Boston Red Sox selected Reddick in the 17th round of the 2006 MLB draft, and he made his major league debut in 2009. He also played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the Oakland Athletics, Los Angeles Dodgers, Houston Astros and Arizona Diamondbacks. Reddick won an American League (AL) Gold Glove Award in 2012.
Kenley Geronimo Jansen is a Curaçaoan professional baseball pitcher who is a free agent. He has played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the Los Angeles Dodgers, Atlanta Braves and Boston Red Sox.
Nathan Edward Eovaldi is an American professional baseball pitcher who is a free agent. He has played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the Los Angeles Dodgers, Miami Marlins, New York Yankees, Tampa Bay Rays, Boston Red Sox and Texas Rangers. Eovaldi made his MLB debut in 2011. He was a World Series champion with the Red Sox in 2018 and the Rangers in 2023 and has been selected as an All-Star in 2021 and 2023.
The 2014 Major League Baseball season began on March 22 at the Sydney Cricket Ground in Sydney, Australia, between the Los Angeles Dodgers and the Arizona Diamondbacks. The North American part of the season started on March 30 and ended on September 28.
Markus Lynn "Mookie" Betts is an American professional baseball outfielder and shortstop for the Los Angeles Dodgers of Major League Baseball (MLB). He has previously played in MLB for the Boston Red Sox. He is an eight-time All-Star, a seven-time Silver Slugger Award winner, a six-time Gold Glove Award recipient, a three-time World Series champion, and was named the Most Valuable Player in the American League in 2018. He is also second in Wins Above Replacement (WAR) among active position players, behind Mike Trout.
Michael Talbert Kopech is an American professional baseball pitcher for the Los Angeles Dodgers of Major League Baseball (MLB). He has previously played in MLB for the Chicago White Sox. He was selected by the Boston Red Sox in the first round of the 2014 MLB draft and made his MLB debut in 2018 with the White Sox. Kopech was traded to the Dodgers at the 2024 trade deadline and later won the World Series with the team.
Enrique José Hernández González Jr., nicknamed Kike, is a Puerto Rican professional baseball utility player who is a free agent. He has previously played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the Houston Astros, Miami Marlins, Los Angeles Dodgers, and Boston Red Sox.
Hansel Manuel Robles is a Dominican professional baseball pitcher who is a free agent. He has previously played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the New York Mets, Los Angeles Angels, Minnesota Twins and the Boston Red Sox.
The 2018 Major League Baseball season began on March 29. The regular season ended on October 1, extended a day for tiebreaker games to decide the winners of the National League Central and National League West. The postseason began on October 2. The World Series began on October 23, and ended on October 28 with the Boston Red Sox defeating the Los Angeles Dodgers in five games to win their ninth World Series championship.
The 2022 Major League Baseball season (MLB) was originally scheduled to begin on March 31 and end on October 2. The 2021–22 lockout caused the season to be delayed by one week, starting on April 7. The regular season ended on October 5. The start of the season was delayed by a lockout of players, which commenced on December 2, 2021, following the expiration of the collective bargaining agreement (CBA) between the league and the Major League Baseball Players Association (MLBPA). On March 10, 2022, MLB and the MLBPA reached a deal on a five-year CBA, with Opening Day being held on April 7, and a full 162-game schedule played. Under the new CBA, universal designated hitter was adopted, the postseason was expanded to 12 teams, and the regular season tie-breaker game was eliminated. In November 2021, the Cleveland Indians announced their new team name, the Cleveland Guardians. The 2022 MLB All-Star Game was held on July 19 and hosted by the Los Angeles Dodgers at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles.