"All the buildup and all the hard work and everything, it was like I expected a little more. ... I just felt like I was missing out," said Crochet, a Chicago White Sox left-hander. As debuting players in a season impacted by COVID-19, this sentiment conveys the frustration of missing a traditional celebratory moment that is typically accompanied by family and fans.
"You dream of playing on the big stage, but you don't really understand what it entails. So debuting in the COVID year, to be honest, wasn't the best," said Skubal, reflecting on his experiences during the radically altered 2020 MLB season. This highlights not only the challenges of debuting but also the unique pressures faced by players entering their careers in such unpredictable circumstances.
"Once it was full capacity, it's definitely, definitely a lot better," said Mountcastle, the Baltimore Orioles first baseman. This quote emphasizes the transformative impact of fan presence on players' experiences and the significantly heightened atmosphere in stadiums when they can share their moments with enthusiastic crowds.
"The fans bring a different aspect to the game," added New York Mets left-hander David Peterson, who was 6-2 in 10 games as a rookie in 2020. This statement resonates with the long-held belief that the energy and engagement of fans is essential to the sport, underscoring their integral role in shaping the game-day experience.
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