A Shelter in the Storm: Baseball Responds to September 11

Abstract

In 2001 the Minor League baseball playoffs were canceled for the first time since World War II and Major League baseball games were postponed in the aftermath of the devastating terrorist attacks committed against the United States on the morning of Tuesday, September 11. (1) Throughout the United States, as the entire nation mourned, individuals from every walk of life put aside their differences and bonded together to draw strength from one another and cope with the tragic events. In the days immediately after the attacks, Americans struggled to regain a sense of normalcy, but with great difficulty. Because of the horrendous loss of life caused by the attacks, and out of respect for the victims and their families, most sporting and other entertainment events throughout the country were rescheduled or called off. In workplaces and communities across the country, people did what they could to help the survivors as well as their fellow Americans. BASEBALL PUT ON HOLD Major League teams and players also expressed their sympathy and did what they could to assist in rescue and relief efforts. In postponing games immediately after the attacks, the commissioner of Major League Baseball (MLB), Bud Selig, issued the following statement: Given the continuing national horror and the many significant challenges faced by our government, our cities, and our citizens, I believe it is appropriate to postpone all Major League baseball games for Wednesday, September 12, 2001. (2) Although the regular season of Minor League baseball had been completed a week and a half before the attacks, the playoffs were still under way in many cities. Sharing the views of the other professional sports, Minor League Baseball officials felt that, after the attacks, it was more important for players to spend time with their families and to cope with their own sorrow. (3) At first Minor League Baseball postponed its games, following the lead of Major League Baseball. On the day of the attacks Minor League Baseball (National Associational of Professional Baseball Leagues) president Mike Moore stated: Out of respect to the families and friends of those people who lost their lives or were injured in today's tragic events, we have postponed all playoff games scheduled for tonight in the United States. (4) The following day, September 12, the organization announced that all games would be postponed until Friday, September 14, at which time the member leagues could make independent decisions whether to continue their playoffs. Minor League president Mike Moore echoed the words of U.S. president George W. Bush, who urged a return to normalcy. Mr. Moore stated: While our hearts and minds are still on the victims and their families, we believe it is important for our country to return to normal activity as soon as reasonably prudent. This is a strong and resilient country and while these despicable acts affect us all, we will not allow such acts to bring such a great country to a standstill. Based on local security and transportation issues, each league will make its own judgement regarding resumption of play beginning Friday. (5) The Minor League Baseball president also encouraged the leagues, teams, and fans to donate blood to their local American Red Cross offices, reiterating, Our thoughts and prayers go out to the victims and their families. (6) Following this announcement by Minor League Baseball, all member leagues that had not already completed their playoffs decided to end the postseason, deciding who the league champions would be based on either the end-of-season standings or the results of the playoff games that had already been completed. (7) The International League declared the Louisville RiverBats, who had won the first game of the playoffs, to be the league champion. The New York-Penn League, which had not yet begun its playoff series, declared Brooklyn and Williamsport to be its cochampions. …