Baseball might return this season amidst the coronavirus lockdown, but the most important member of the Philadelphia Phillies won't be there to welcome it back.
The Phillie Phanatic, along with other team mascots, will be banned from the field during the 2020 season.
A mascot ban, the elimination of the lineup card exchange, high-fives and spitting are just some of the many new protocols outlined in the 67-page draft of Major League Baseball's proposed 2020 Operations Manual. A copy was sent to teams Friday and obtained by several media outlines.
Since 1978, Phillies fans have enjoyed the Phanatic messing with opposing teams, immaculate stunts and general shenanigans. A season without the beloved mascot seems unfathomable considering his contributions to the Phillies experience for fans and players alike.
This is why you can't ban the Phanatic from baseball. #Phillies pic.twitter.com/NkgOOvjB31
— Angelo Cataldi (@AngeloCataldi) May 18, 2020"When did we stop loving our children?" Cataldi asked. "The Phillie Phanatic made my kids big sports fans. The Phillie Phanatic is more responsible for our love of sports than any other single individual in the last 30 years in Philadelphia. It is absurd!"
The protocols include a plan for regular testing and general safety measures related to travel and locker room use. The Players Association is expected to respond to the proposal this week. The looming issue of player compensation will be hashed out after health and safety measures are put in place. The current goal is to have opening day in early July.
In the meantime, enjoy some of the Phanatic's best moments:
How could anyone forget his brawl with Tommy Lasorda?
31 years ago today, Tommy Lasorda had enough of the Phanatic's shenanigans.https://t.co/JpmQhQV5Pp pic.twitter.com/bm9v2jjtZD
— Cut4 (@Cut4) August 28, 2019Sometimes, we can't have nice things
Yooooo, John Kruk is FED UP with the Phanatic. -- pic.twitter.com/yCayd7L8y0
— Cut4 (@Cut4) June 11, 2019He can even out-muscle Jose Bautista
We think it's great that @JoeyBats19 gets to be reunited with his good friend, The Phanatic. pic.twitter.com/xNxIgaggQ9
— Cut4 (@Cut4) August 28, 2018Some of his greatest hits
On this date in 1978, the world's greatest mascot made his debut. Enjoy some of the Phanatic's greatest moments!https://t.co/vu1hoRHJCe
— Philadelphia Phillies (@Phillies) April 25, 2016
