Chicago Cubs: MLB needs a place like Hawaii to feel safe
One of the main attractions for bringing MLB to Hawaii is the weather. The temperatures in Hawaii range from 65 to 90 degrees Fahrenheit year-round. Humidity is virtually non-existent due to the trade winds that blow through the islands regularly. There is a reason Hawaii touts itself having the ‘best weather on the planet’ and what could be better for any upcoming season of baseball?
While it does rain in the tropical state about 17 inches a year and mostly during the winter months, December is the rainiest month of the year for the islands and wouldn’t be an issue for the upcoming MLB season.
Besides, local players tend to call the misty rainfall that falls on them during games, “blessings,” and who couldn’t use a lot of those?
Hawaii has no professional teams on the island in the NBA, NHL, NFL or MLB. It is one of the few States that has no representation professionally. This makes it a very neutral ground to hold the season.
Just as MLB began negotiations with Arizona Governor, Doug Ducey, to play the season in Arizona, will MLB contact Hawaii Governor David Ige to get his thoughts about partnering together? It’s clear that there are benefits to baseball in Hawaii. Baseball is good for the island’s recovery, good for the safety of MLB players and the local population and good for the nation to see baseball again.
If the National Guard can throw together hospitals in a day or two, imagine what they could do to put together some stadium seating for several parks around the island?
When MLB eventually departs the islands in November, all of those upgraded fields will belong to the Hawaii youth and families who can use those parks. Maybe it will entice MLB to play more games during the regular season in Hawaii and use those parks, seating, and upgrades.
If fans in seats – equal revenue for MLB, then owners and the league will be happy to have the ‘safe fans’ of Hawaii watching the games live opposed to empty stadiums. Bringing professional baseball to Hawaii can give the economy a jump-start, but Hawaii must think big and bold.