Major League Baseball Commissioner Rob Manfred attends a press conference in Jupiter, Florida, on March 1, 2022, after the MLB decided to cancel the start of the 2022 regular season following its failure to reach a labor accord with players by the March 1 deadline. (Photo by Kyodo News/Sipa USA)
United States: MLB cancels start of season over labor dispute
On December 2nd the MLB locked out the players for the first time since the 1994-95 season. The lockout was imposed by the MLB and is still going on over three months later. There are many issues that need to be solved including how many teams will make the playoffs, and the competitive balance tax threshold. One of the problems that both sides have resolved is the DH. For many years the designated hitter was just in the American League, but now the DH will be in both the American League and the National League. I’m excited for the DH to be in both leagues, because pitchers in the National League won’t have to hit or run the bases which will protect them from getting hurt. I also really like this rule change because it will allow players that are really good hitters and not great fielders the opportunity to be a designated hitter whether they’re on an American League team or a National League team.
On March 1st the Commissioner of Baseball Rob Manfred Canceled the first two series of the season, so instead of the start date being on March 31st it is now scheduled for April 7th. Unfortunately I don’t anticipate the season starting on April 7th, and I think this lockout will go on until late April or Early May. I hope for the good of Baseball that the MLB and the Players Union can set aside their differences and get a deal done as soon as possible, because Baseball is in serious jeopardy of losing a lot of games, and a lot of fans as well.
