As American as apple pie, baseball has been a a stable force in our country's culture for over a century. Major league baseball has survived world wars, desegregation, substance scandals, and now a novel coronavirus pandemic.

While speculation has been abound for months about the MLB season, it was officially announced this week that baseball will proceed with a 60 game regular season starting at the end of July and concluding in September (to be followed by a post-season). This season will include changes to gameplay and changes around the stadium.

The most noticeable change will be the lack of fans at baseball parks. Since the beginning of social distancing and quarantine, I've touted myself as being one of the most "un-essential" employees. You see, this year I secured what I could describe as my dream job for the city I live in - Team Louie.

Fans familiar with the St. Louis Cardinals organization may recognize the name Team Fredbird, and Team Louie is just the Minor League equivalent to that (and the baseball equivalent to football cheerleaders). More simply - one of those girls who throws t-shirts from the top of the dugout. I was supposed to be working for the Springfield Cardinals, slinging tees this summer, but without fans in the stands my job is frankly pointless.

But the baseball fan in me is excited to see a return of the game, even if it is short lived this summer. I was concerned how major league sports would be able to continue throughout these Covid-19 spikes we are experiencing across America, but reading about the precautions MLB will be taking has eased my mind.

I am conflicted about the decision to not allow fans into the ballpark (primarily because it meant I can not attend one of my favorite summer activities and that it also put me out of a job officially), but I know it is the best decision for the wellbeing of baseball fans - without whom major league baseball could not exist.

As we navigate through unprecedented and historic times, from this global health crisis to grappling with race relations, I feel it is important to grip tightly to the things that connect us. And while we still have a long way to go, at least we can round these bases together.