Are You Ready For Some Baseball Delmarva? - The Heart of Delmarva

April 27, 2021

The 2020 baseball season was undoubtedly different to say the least. We missed our Delmarva Shorebirds terribly. And they definitely missed us. The Shorebirds consider the Delmarva community their baseball family. Their passion and job is to bring people together for events. And a whole year of being apart was miserable. 

But we don’t have to continue this blog post in sadness because…

The GAME IS ON Delmarva!! The 2021 baseball season begins May 4th.

General Manager Chris Bitters says, “We are excited to be getting back to playing baseball.”

May will essentially be a soft opening to help execute newly adopted procedures. “We want to pay proper attention to safety for our fans so they feel comfortable,” says Chris. Specific protocols have to be followed to ensure all attendees have a pleasant experience. Stadium goers can rest assured that The Shorebirds will be constantly assessing their processes so everyone feels safe and is taken care of. 

Things on and off the field will look a little different.

Here are a few things to keep in mind this season:

• All tickets will be digital, lessening the contact between staff and patrons. To enter, fans will scan their tickets through a digital, touchless scanner.
• Game seating will have to be adjusted to ensure groups and families are distanced properly and according to guidelines.
• The field is like a bubble, only players and umpires allowed. Because of that, the National Anthem will not be sung live on the field (but it will still play) and no on-field promotions will be occurring at the moment.
• Masks must be worn at all times, unless eating or drinking.
• Protective measures will be installed like hand sanitation stations, foggers, cones, plexiglass barriers, and more will be installed throughout the stadium.

The Shorebirds will be releasing their promotional schedule shortly as it is being finalized now. Don’t worry, the fireworks spectaculars are here to stay! So are Bobblehead giveaways. And Thirsty Thursday is still on right off the bat. Rest assured kiddos, Sherman will still be here! To coincide with safety measures, he unfortunately cannot be hugged but he’s ecstatic to be back in action!

Stadium staff and fans aren’t the only ones having to make adjustments. The players have to alter their game day routine. Dug out and locker room customs have to be adjusted, as well as post-game meal routine, because even the players have to be in smaller groups.

I asked Chris what he was most looking forward to this season other than playing baseball. “We’re excited to bring the community back together again,” he said. Even if looks a little different, The Shorebirds are thrilled to be back in the game of playing baseball and bringing people together.

Beyond baseball.

They are also excited to be hosting outside events such as the graduations for Wor-Wic Community College and local high schools. They also play host to other baseball teams throughout the week. Chris says, “We are glad to fill that role in our community.” 

The Shorebirds and Perdue Stadium are part of the heart of Delmarva and a well-known gathering place. They are looking forward to this year’s season and helping get Delmarva back together again. And Delmarva is looking forward to spending our nights at the ballpark, hot dog in hand, cheering on the birds. 

Delmarva is SO READY to yell “PLAY BALL!” on May 4th.

Note: All puns above are intended! :)