COVID-19 Stops Home Opener so Grizzlies Take It Online

By David Taub, Senior Reporter

Published 5 years ago on

April 14, 2020

Tuesday night was supposed to be the home opener for the Fresno Grizzlies and thousands of local baseball fans.

Obviously, that is not happening.

But, the Triple-A club will celebrate ballpark activities all day online through the team’s social media platforms (Twitter, Facebook).

Calling it the “At Home Opener,” festivities started at 10 a.m. with fans having a chance to sing the National Anthem, via video. That doubled as a singing contest. The winner will have a chance to perform in real life when the baseball resumes.

When Major League Baseball postponed its March 26 season-opening, the decision trickled down to the minor leagues as well. The Pacific Coast League had an April 9 start date.

For the fifth time in their 23-year history, the Grizzlies are the top affiliate of the World Series champion. Their parent club, the Washington Nationals, hoisted the trophy last season.

A Full Day

The Grizzlies have a full slate of online activities, including a video game simulation of tonight’s scheduled game — the Grizzlies versus the Reno Aces (Arizona’s Triple-A club).

After the virtual national anthem, there will be a virtual first pitch, a noon chicken dance, and a taco cam.

Correction: an earlier version said Reno was San Diego’s top affiliate. It is Arizona.

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David Taub,

Senior Reporter

Curiosity drives David Taub. The award-winning journalist might be shy, but feels mighty with a recorder in his hand. He doesn't see it his job to "hold public officials accountable," but does see it to provide readers (and voters) the information needed to make intelligent choices. Taub has been honored with several writing awards from the California News Publishers Association. He's just happy to have his stories read. Joining GV Wire in 2016, Taub covers politics, government and elections, mainly in the Fresno/Clovis area. He also writes columns about local eateries (Appetite for Fresno), pro wrestling (Off the Bottom Rope), and media (Media Man). Prior to joining the online news source, Taub worked as a radio producer for KMJ and PowerTalk 96.7 in Fresno. He also worked as an assignment editor for KCOY-TV in Santa Maria, California, and KSEE-TV in Fresno. He has also worked behind the scenes for several sports broadcasts, including the NCAA basketball tournament, and the Super Bowl. When not spending time with his family, Taub loves to officially score Fresno Grizzlies games. Growing up in the San Francisco Bay Area, Taub is a die-hard Giants and 49ers fan. He graduated from the University of Michigan with dual degrees in communications and political science. Go Blue! You can contact David at 559-492-4037 or at Send an Email