Shorebirds say they are unaffected by lockout as fans react to opening day delay

SALISBURY, Md- As the MLB faces its first labor side lockout since 1994, local minor league teams say their lockout does not affect them.

“The Minor League season remains unaffected our business operations our players are heading to spring training as we speak and they’ll be here early April to take the field,” said GM Chris Bitters.

But fans say the lockout is hurting their perception of the game and potential enthusiasm for baseball going forward.

“As a baseball fan it’s disappointing they can’t figure it out,” said  Kevin Lindsay, a former SU and USA International baseball player whose son currently plays HS baseball.

He tells us as a player he understands that players have needs that must be met, and a more equal pay structure in the MLB, but believes holding up opening day is bad to look for players.

“With inflation right now things are tough and nobody wants to hear about how much they are not making when they are pulling millions of dollars,” he said.

He tells us a lockout will mean fewer kids can enjoy watching baseball, and in turn, he believes fewer kids will participate in the sport. He tells us the spring season in high schools has more sports than ever before, and baseball could be next if kids don’t feel the connection they can get with other sports.

“What you don’t want to do, which is happening already is alienate those younger fans, they say “hey Dad I want to go to the game, oh okay they are on lockout maybe I will pick up lacrosse or pickup soccer, like my son he plays both,” he said.

Opening Day for the Shorebirds is less than a month away on April 8th.