The "Help Is On The Way In Our Fight Against COVID-19: Part 1 - MLB Steps To The Plate" Story

It was an ordinary day.  Opened my email and headed to the link telling me about what's happening in Major League Baseball.  The lead story for today was: MLB jerseys to be used to make masks and gowns.  All began about a week ago when Fanatics Executive Chairman Michael Rubin woke up in the middle of the night with the idea of converting their factory in Pennsylvania, that makes official Major League Baseball jerseys, into a facility that makes much needed masks and gowns and then donating them to help fight this horrendous COVID-19 virus.  The story told me that baseball jersey fabric is going to the front lines in the fight against coronavirus.  Since there seems to be a glaring shortage of masks and gowns for those heroes that man the front lines in fighting the worst catastrophe in our history, Mr. Rubin's plan seems like a great way to alleviate that shortage.  

Phillies uniforms were used to make
this set of gown and mask.

Fanatics, the company that manufactures the official uniforms for Major League Baseball, is taking the raw materials typically used in the creation of the jerseys to create masks and gowns and will absorb all costs for their manufacture.  The 360,000 square-foot manufacturing plant in Easton, PA. has begun to produce these items and will continue to do so as long as the need exists.  The distribution of the equipment  has already begun throughout the state of Pennsylvania and will extend across New Jersey and New York.  

The Yankee uniform is made into a gown and mask.

The initial batch of masks and gowns is being made from jerseys of the Phillies and Yankees complete with each club's recognizable pinstripes.  As production continues, other teams jerseys will be used.  Mr. Rubin said, "As the demand for masks and gowns has surged, we're fortunate to have teamed up with Major League Baseball to find a unique way to support our frontline workers in this fight to stem the virus, who are in dire need of essential resources."  It is estimated that up to 3.5 billion face masks will be needed in the United States.  The shortage has become a dire situation with some workers re-using masks as needed.  Mr. Rubin worked with Pennsylvania Governor Tom Wolf and state Attorney General Josh Shapiro to hatch out a plan.  The plan suggested by Rubin was announced on what was at one time to be opening day for this year's major league baseball season.  Now, those baseball jerseys that might have been sold on opening day are now being turned into masks and gowns.  One more reason why the sport of baseball has always been my favorite sport.  It was another extraordinary day in the life of an ordinary guy.