Nationals Won't Give Out World Series Rings Until Fans Can Attend Games in Kind Gesture

The 2020 regular season was going to be huge for the Washington Nationals, who will eventually be in place to defend their franchise's World Series championship. Due to the coronavirus pandemic, their title defense is delayed until further notice, and once it does begin, they'll have to begin without fans in the stands.

Nationals general manager Mike Rizzo appeared on MLB Network Radio this past weekend to announce that the team will postpone their World Series ring ceremony until fans are allowed to enter Nationals Park, a perfect gesture, considering what a community-focused moment that should always be.

“I think as far as raising the banner and the distribution of rings, we’re going to wait for our fanbase to be involved to do those types of things,” Rizzo said, via NBC Sports. “Those are once-in-a-lifetime things to do and our fanbase is such a big factor in helping us win that thing. They earned it, they deserve to be involved in it and we’re going to wait for them to do it.”

It's a kind gesture from Rizzo, and quite frankly, it makes sense. Why would a team celebrate their first ever championship without their loyal fans in attendance? That would just be odd.

The Nationals fan base has craved a championship ever since the team returned to the DC area in 2005. They stood by the Nationals through all their heartbreaking postseason exits, and were finally rewarded last year when Washington defeated the Houston Astros in seven games.

It's unknown when baseball fans will be able to gather at their favorite squad's respective ballparks again, due to the worldwide ban on large gatherings. Until COVID-19 testing is more prevalent around the globe, crowded stadiums aren't going to be a thing in 2020.

Holding off on the World Series party is a smart decision by the Nationals. Holding a celebration without anyone in attendance is just weird.