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Phillies Announce Autograph Protocol Amid COVID-19 Outbreak

By Matt Rappa

CLEARWATER, FLORIDA - FEBRUARY 25: Bryce Harper #3 of the Philadelphia Phillies signs autographs prior to the spring training game against the Toronto Blue Jays at Spectrum Field on February 25, 2020 in Clearwater, Florida. (Photo by Mark Brown/Getty Images)
CLEARWATER, FLORIDA - FEBRUARY 25: Bryce Harper #3 of the Philadelphia Phillies signs autographs prior to the spring training game against the Toronto Blue Jays at Spectrum Field on February 25, 2020 in Clearwater, Florida. (Photo by Mark Brown/Getty Images) /
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With the COVID-19 outbreak increasingly affecting the U.S., the Phillies have announced a “temporary,” precautionary change to their autograph policy.

The COVID-19, or Novel Coronavirus, outbreak started out affecting just those overseas, however it has recently touched home for the first time in the U.S. — especially among sports fans, even those of the Phillies.

Just hours after the NBA instructed teams to prepare to play games without fans in case the outbreak worsens, the Phillies announced on Saturday what they call a “temporary solution” as it relates to autographs at spring training games.

Their statement reads that they recognize that autograph signing for some fans is “part of the overall appeal of attending spring training games,” and that as a “precautionary measure” for both its players and fans, the Phillies are “making adjustments to this experience” based on CDC recommendations.

The adjustments, labeled as a “temporary solution,” include having players pre-sign a limited number of baseballs and photo cards in the clubhouse prior to the spring training game.

“Security personnel will be available to assist players in the distribution of these pre-signed items before the start of our home games here in Clearwater,” the announcement continued.

It is not clear whether this protocol will continue during regular season action; the Phillies’ spring home opener is slated for April 2. After Saturday, they have just 16 spring games remaining, nine at Spectrum Field in Clearwater.

On Friday, the first COVID-19 cases in the Philadelphia suburbs were announced, one from Delaware County, Pennsylvania, and another from Camden County, New Jersey. With such cases just miles from Citizens Bank Park, the Phillies’ new autograph protocol could very well continue when the team returns north later this month.

Before, the new netting at stadiums was thought to be a barrier to autograph collection at baseball games. Now, the COVID-19 outbreak appears to be limiting the interaction even further.

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