D-backs, MLB teams to establish $1 million funds for impacted workers

Major League Baseball teams are set to each establish a $1 million fund for workers adversely affected by the suspension of the season that came as coronavirus spreads throughout the world.

A statement from the Diamondbacks Tuesday said the details of implementing this new initiative are still to come.

“There are personal relationships that exist between our gameday staff and all of us who work at the D-backs and it is important that they know we are here for them,” team president and CEO Derrick Hall said in a statement. “When baseball returns, so will these faces that our fans have come to know and love, as these are the people who are responsible for the incredible fan experience at Chase Field.”

A Centers for Disease Control (CDC) directive on Sunday said gatherings of 50 or more people should be postponed or canceled for the next eight weeks. In accordance with that guideline, MLB said Monday the season would be delayed that same amount of time.

Major League Baseball isn’t the first to address this issue as other teams in other sports have announced plans to support workers who are set to lose income from the cancellation or postponement of games and events. Concessions workers, custodial crews, maintenance staff, ushers, security and others comprise a large part- and full-time team of employees in the nation’s sports venues.

“Our gameday staff is part of our family and we want to make sure that we take care of them and support them during these challenging economic times,” D-backs owner Ken Kendrick said in a statement. “When times are tough, that is when organizations like ours need to step up and I’m proud of all 30 teams who are motivated by a desire to help others in our baseball community.”

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