Locations ofNL teams for the 2017–present MLB seasons WestCentralEast
The2021 Major League Baseball season began on April 1, while the regular season ended on October 3.[1] The postseason began on October 5. TheWorld Series then began on October 26 and ended on November 2 with theAtlanta Braves defeating theHouston Astros in six games to win their second title since moving to Atlanta.
This was the final season of theCleveland Indians competing with that nickname. On December 14, 2020, the team announced that they would unveil their new moniker and associated uniform and stadium changes before the 2022 season to replace the 106-year-old nickname.[7] On July 23, the Indians revealed that their new nickname would be the "Guardians", debuting the following season.[8]
Major League Baseball announced the 2021 regular season schedule on July 9, 2020.[9] A full 162-game season was played. As has been the case since 2013, all teams played their four division opponents 19 times each for a total of 76 games. They played six to seven games against each of the other ten same-league opponents for a total of 66 games, and 20interleague games. For the second season in a row,interleague play will be between corresponding regions (AL East vs.NL East,AL Central vs.NL Central, andAL West vs.NL West) rather than continue the annual rotation. This included theNew York Mets andNew York Yankees being scheduled to play a series from September 10–12, which featured commemorations of the 20th anniversary of theSeptember 11 attacks in 2001.[9] The 20 interleague games each team played consisted of two three-game series (one home, one away) against its natural rival (total of six games), two two-game series (one home, one away) against each team for two other opponents (total of eight games), and a single three-game series against each team for the last two (one home, one away; total of six games).
On February 9, Major League Baseball announced the following temporary rule changes for the 2020 season would continue in the 2021 regular season:[13]
A runner will be placed on second base at the start of every half-inning of any game that goes intoextra innings.
Doubleheaders will be played as two seven-inning games.
Additionally, the broader use ofsuspended games was carried over from the 2020 season:[14]
If a game cannot continue because ofinclement weather and it is not anofficial game (trailing team has played less than five innings), the game will be declared asuspended game, continuing from the point of interruption instead of completely restarting.
If a suspended game resumes with the trailing team having played less than five innings, a normally-scheduled game played after the completion of the suspended game will be seven innings.
However, if a game is halted after the fifth inning for a reason that enables it to be a suspended game (like a field issue or equipment failure or if the game was tied when stopped), the game played afterwards retains its nine-inning length.
In all cases, a suspended game retains the length (seven or nine innings) that it was scheduled for at the time it started.
An increase of the active roster size to 26 players, originally planned for the 2020 season, took effect. Other changes that had also been planned—a limit of 13 pitchers on active rosters and restrictions onposition players pitching—were waived for 2021.[15]
COVID-19 protocols from the 2020 season remain in effect, but may be eased by teams once 85% of their tier-one staff (players, manager staff) are fully vaccinated.[16]
On June 15, MLB announced that any player found with a foreign substance (used to doctor a baseball or to improve their grip on a baseball) would be immediately ejected from the game, and would receive a 10-game suspension.[17] Heightened enforcement of existing rules that prohibit such substances began after widespread use by pitchers to increase their grip andspin rate.[18]
Spring training for the 2021 season began in late February and lasted through March. Teams began workouts and practice for spring training beginning in late February. Pitchers and catchers reported first, followed by position players a few days later.[19]
Prior to the start of the regular season, each team played between 24 and 29 spring training games, beginning on February 28. There were several times during spring training where a team had two different squads playing different teams simultaneously. In addition to spring training games, teams occasionally played exhibition games with non-MLB teams, such asMinor League Baseball teams,independent teams, orcollege teams. These exhibition games were not counted in spring training standings. Spring training ended on March 30, two days before the Opening Day.
On September 27, 2020, the Angels firedBilly Eppler after five seasons as general manager just after the 2020 season, with one year remaining on his contract after they were quietly extended over the summer.[20] Eppler was hired after the 2015 season. Under his tenure, the Angels had five straight losing seasons with no playoffs appearance. On November 12, the Angels hiredPerry Minasian as his replacement.[21]
On October 3, 2020,Matt Klentak stepped down after a third straight September collapse left the team out of the postseason for the ninth consecutive season. The 40-year-old was reassigned to another position in the organization while Ned Rice served as interim general manager until the Phillies hired Dave Dombrowski as President of baseball operations.[22] On December 22, Fuld was announced as the next GM of the Phillies.[23]
On November 6, 2020, the Mets parted ways withBrodie Van Wagenen after two seasons as general manager, hours afterSteve Cohen became the new owner of the team.[24] On December 13, the Mets announcedJared Porter as their new general manager.[25]
On January 18, ESPN revealed that Porter had sent inappropriate images to a female reporter. On January 19, Steve Cohen tweeted that Porter had been fired.[26] On January 27, the Mets named Zack Scott as interim general manager.[27]
Michael Hill was not retained by the Marlins after the 2020 season. On November 13, 2020, the Marlins hiredKim Ng as his replacement, making her the first female general manager in league history.[28]
On December 4, 2020,Jon Daniels, who remains president of baseball operations, announced that he step down from his role as general manager.Chris Young was hired to take his place.[30]
On September 19, 2020, Gardenhire announced his retirement due to health concerns. Lloyd McClendon was named interim manager for the rest of the season that same day. Gardenhire finished with a 132–241 (.354) record in just under three seasons. The Tigers did not make the playoffs during his tenure.[31] The Tigers hired A.J. Hinch on October 30 as their new manager.[32] In seven seasons, Hinch has accumulated a 570–472 (.547) record while managing the Houston Astros and Arizona Diamondbacks. He led the Astros to two World Series appearances, winning in2017 against the Los Angeles Dodgers and losing in2019 to the Washington Nationals, both in seven games.
On September 27, 2020, the Red Sox announced that Roenicke would not be retained for the 2021 season after only one season following the team andAlex Cora parting ways.[33] Roenicke finished his only season with a 24–36 (.400) record and did not make the postseason. Cora was re-hired on November 6 after serving a one-year suspension imposed by MLB for his role in theHouston Astros sign stealing scandal.[34] Prior to his suspension, Cora was 192–132 (.593) in two seasons with the Red Sox, leading the team to a World Series win in his first season.
On October 12, 2020, the White Sox announced that Renteria would not return, ending his tenure with the team after four years with one year remaining on his contract. Renteria finished with a record of 236–309 (.433) and one playoff appearance.[35] On October 29, it was announced that Tony La Russa would return to the White Sox as manager. La Russa managed the White Sox during 1979–1986, compiling a 522–510 (.506) record and one playoff appearance. At the age of 76, La Russa became the oldest manager in the majors. He had not managed any team since theSt. Louis Cardinals in 2011.[36]
Became the second player in Major League modern history to record five hits in his first career start. Mercedes recorded the five hits on April 2 against theLos Angeles Angels. He joinsCecil Travis who accomplished this feat during the 1933 season.[37]
Became the first player in Major League modern history to record eight hits in his first eight at-bats of the season with his first three hits on April 3 against the Angels. His streak ended when he flied out againstTony Watson.Chris Stynes had the longest streak to start a season during the Expansion Era (dating back to 1961) at seven during the 1997 season.[38]
Became the 31st player in Major League history to hit a home run on the first pitch that they saw. Baddoo accomplished this feat on April 4 against theCleveland Indians andAaron Civale. The last person to do this wasWillson Contreras on June 19, 2016.[39]
On April 10 against theCincinnati Reds, Locastrostole second base in the sixth inning, setting the Major League record for most successful consecutive steals to start a career, with 28, since 1951 (the National League did not track caught steals before 1951). He broke the record that was previously held byTim Raines.[40]
With a single in the fifth-inning against theKansas City Royals on May 12, Cabrera became the all-time hit leader of Venezuelan-born Major Leaguers by passingOmar Vizquel with his 2,878th hit.[41]
With his double in the sixth-inning against theKansas City Royals on June 15, Cabrera reached 5,000total bases for his career. He became the 22nd player to reach this mark.[42]
Recorded his 500th career home run, against theToronto Blue Jays in the sixth-inning on August 22. He became the 28th player to reach this mark.[43]
Scored his 1,500th career run, against theSt. Louis Cardinals in the ninth-inning on August 25. He became the 74th player to reach this mark.[44]
Tied the Major League record of most home runs hit during any two-game span by hitting five against theNew York Mets on June 19–20. This was last accomplished byJose Abreu during the 2020 campaign.[45]
With two more home runs on June 24, he became the first player in Major League history to homer 12 times in the leadoff spot across 13 games. Schwarber also became the seventh player in Major League history to hit eight-plus home runs in a five-game span.[46]
With his leadoff home run on June 29 againstRich Hill of theTampa Bay Rays, Schwarber tied the Major League record for most home runs in any ten-game stretch with 12 home runs. He tied the record set by theIndians'Albert Belle in 1995. The home run also tied the Major League record for most home runs in an 18-game stretch with 16. He joins theGiants'Barry Bonds (2001) andCubs'Sammy Sosa (1998) with this feat.[47]
With his single in the eighth inning against theMiami Marlins on July 5, Pujols reached 6,000 total bases for his career. He became the fourth player to reach this mark, joiningHank Aaron,Stan Musial andWillie Mays.[50]
With his 32nd home run on July 7 against theBoston Red Sox, Ohtani established a new record for most home runs in a season by a Japanese-born player in the Major Leagues, breaking the record of 31 set byHideki Matsui in 2004.[51]
Ohtani became the first player in Major League history to ever have at least 37 home runs and 15 stolen bases before the end of July.[52]
On August 28 against theSan Diego Padres, Ohtani becomes the first Japanese-born player to steal 20 bases and hit 40 home runs in a season.[53]
On September 25, Ohtani joinedWillie Mays as the only players with at least 45 home runs, 20 stolen bases and six triples in a season.[54]
From September 22–25, Ohtani drew 13 walks in a four-game span, tying a Major League record set byBabe Ruth in 1930,Bryce Harper in 2016, andYasmani Grandal in 2021. His 11 walks drawn in the three-game span also tied the Major League record set by Harper in 2016.[55]
On October 3 against theSeattle Mariners, Ohtani became the first player in Major League history to have at least 45 homers, 25 stolen bases, 100 RBIs, 100 runs, and eight triples in a season and the second player in AL history to record at least 45 homers and 25 stolen bases in a season, joiningJose Canseco in 1998.[56]
On July 28 against theMilwaukee Brewers, Castro hit two home runs, which were his fourth and fifth Major League hits. All of his hits to that point had been home runs, which was the first time in Modern Era (since 1901) that a player's first five hits were home runs.[57] The streak came to an end on July 30 as he doubled in the first inning against thePhiladelphia Phillies.[58]
On July 31 against theCleveland Indians, Zavala became the first Major League player to hit his first three career home runs in the same game. Zavala hit his first two off ofTriston McKenzie, one of them being agrand slam, and the third was off ofBryan Shaw.[59]
On August 1 against theSeattle Mariners, Heim became the first rookie in Major League history to hit walk-off home runs in two consecutive games. The first was offDiego Castillo in extra innings and the second was offErik Swanson.[60]
Tied the Major League record for most doubles in a game by hitting four against theMilwaukee Brewers in the first game of a doubleheader on August 14. Former PiratesAdam Frazier andPaul Waner also accomplished this feat.[61]
Recorded his 2,000th career hit with a single in the seventh inning against theChicago Cubs on August 16. He became the 291st player to reach this mark.[62]
With Albies 25th home run on September 4 against theColorado Rockies, the Braves became the second team in Major League history to have each of their starting infielders hit 25 or more home runs in the same season. They join the2008 Florida Marlins as the only other quartet of infielders to achieve this feat.[63]
Hit his 48th home run of the season on October 3 against theBaltimore Orioles. With this home run, Guerrero Jr. set the Major League record for most home runs in an age-22 season or younger, breaking the record of 47 set in 1953 by 21-year-oldEddie Mathews.[65]
By drawing a walk in the seventh inning on September 7 against theBoston Red Sox, Franco set the American League record for the longest on-base streak, at 37 games, for a player 20-years-old or younger. He broke the record of 36 games that was held byMickey Mantle, who set the record from early September 1951 through early May 1952.[66]
With his first-inning double on September 29 against theHouston Astros, Franco extended his streak to 43 consecutive games reaching base. This tied the Major League record for a player 20-years-old or younger withFrank Robinson who set the record during the 1956 campaign.[67] Although he reached on an error in the ninth-inning the very next night, Franco's record-tying consecutive on-base streak came to an end as he went 0-for-4.[68]
With two home runs on September 7 against theBoston Red Sox, Cruz became the oldest player in Major League history to have a 30-homer season. Cruz, at age 41, bested the record ofDavid Ortiz andDarrell Evans who were 40-years-old when they had their 30-homer seasons.[69]
Hit his 44th home run for the season on September 29 against theNew York Yankees in the first-inning. This set a Major League record for most home runs by a second baseman in Major League history, breaking the record of 43 that was set in 1973 byDavey Johnson.[70]
Musgrove threw his first career no-hitter, and the first no-hitter in the franchise's 53-season history, by defeating theTexas Rangers 3–0 on April 9. He struck out 10 and did not walk a batter, throwing 77 of his 112 pitches as strikes. The only blemish was when Musgrove hitJoey Gallo with a pitch in the fourth inning.[71]
Rodón threw his first career no-hitter, and the 20th in franchise history, by defeating theCleveland Indians 8–0 on April 14. He struck out seven, throwing 75 strikes on 114 pitches. Rodón wasperfect through 81⁄3 but lost his bid for a perfect game when he hitRoberto Pérez on his foot.[72]
Means threw his first career no-hitter, and the tenth in franchise history, and the first Orioles' complete game no-hitter in 52 years, by defeating theSeattle Mariners 6–0 on May 5. He struck out 12, throwing 79 strikes on 113 pitches. The only blemish came with one out in the third inning, whenSam Haggerty reached first base on athird strike wild pitch. Means faced the minimum 27 batters, as Haggerty was caught attempting to steal second base.[73] This was the first no-hitter in Major League history in which the only baserunner for the team that was no-hit reached base by an uncaught third strike as well as the first no-hitter in Major League history that was not a perfect game in which the team that was no-hit did not have any batters reach base by a walk, a hit by pitch, or an error.
Miley threw his first career no-hitter, and the 17th in franchise history, by defeating theCleveland Indians 3–0 on May 7. He struck out eight, throwing 72 strikes on 114 pitches. He was perfect through 61⁄3 before he allowed two baserunners in the seventh inning on a fielding error byNick Senzel and a walk. Those were his only baserunners allowed.[74]
Turnbull threw his first career no-hitter, and the eighth in franchise history, by defeating theSeattle Mariners 5–0 on May 18. He struck out nine, throwing 77 strikes on 117 pitches. He walked two during the outing. Turnbull became the fifth pitcher in Major League history to throw a no-hitter within two seasons of leading the Majors in losses, last accomplished byScott Erickson with the Twins in 1994.[75]
Kluber threw his first career no-hitter, and the 12th in franchise history, by defeating theTexas Rangers 2–0 on May 19. He struck out nine, throwing 71 strikes on 101 pitches. His only baserunner was a walk toCharlie Culberson in the third inning. This was the first time since 1969 that no-hitters were thrown on consecutive days.[76][77]
Combined to throw the 17th no-hitter in franchise history and the 15th combined no-hitter in Major League history by defeating theLos Angeles Dodgers 4–0 on June 24. Davies struck out four and walked five, throwing 60 of his 94 pitches for strikes. Tepera walked one while throwing 16 pitches, of which nine were strikes. Chafin walked one while throwing 15 pitches, of which 10 were strikes. Kimbrel struck out three and walked one; nine of his fourteen pitches were strikes.[78]
Gilbert threw his first career no-hitter, and the third in franchise history, by defeating theSan Diego Padres 7–0 on August 14. In his first career start, Gilbert struck out five, throwing 64 of his 102 pitches for strikes. He issued three walks, all of them to leadoff hitterTommy Pham. This tied the Major League record for no-hitters in a season, set in 1884. Gilbert also became the fourth pitcher in Major League history to throw a no-hitter in his first career start. The last pitcher to accomplish this feet wasBobo Holloman in 1953. The other two took place in the 1800s.[79]
Threw the second no-hitter in Brewers history, the 16th combined and a record breaking ninth no-hitter in 2021 on September 11 against theCleveland Indians. In the 3–0 victory, Burnes went eight innings, walked one and struck out 14 in 115 pitches (78 were for strikes). Hader finished out the no-hitter by striking out two hitters in the ninth and throwing nine pitches, seven were strikes. The Indians become the first team in Major League history to be no-hit three times in one season.Zach Plesac was the starting pitcher in all three games that the Indians did not get a hit.[80]
In their matchup on April 3, they became the first pair of starting pitchers in the modern era (since 1900) that struck out 10 or more batters and gave up one or no hits. Berrios struck out 12 over six innings and did not allow a hit, while Burnes went 61⁄3 and gave up one hit and struck out 11.[81]
Recorded his 350th careersave in closing out a 4–2 win over thePittsburgh Pirates on April 8. He became the 12th player to reach this mark.[83]
Became the fastest pitcher in Major League history to reach 1,000 strikeouts in 613 innings pitched on August 16 against theOakland Athletics.[84] This record was broken on September 30 byAroldis Chapman who recorded his 1,000th strikeout in 601 innings.[85]
Became the first pitcher since 1893 to record 10 strikeouts in each of his first four starts with his 13 strikeout performance against theCincinnati Reds on April 18.[86]
Set the Major League record on April 20 against theSan Diego Padres for most strikeouts by a starter to begin a season without issuing a walk. Burnes has struck out 40 batters and broke the record of 35 set byAdam Wainwright in 2013.[87]
Set the Major League record for most strikeouts by a pitcher to begin a season without issuing a walk by gettingHarrison Bader of theSt. Louis Cardinals on May 13. The second-inning strikeout was the 52nd strikeout by Burnes and that broke the record held byKenley Jansen set in 2017. Burnes streak came to an end later in the game at 58 strikeouts, when he walkedTommy Edman in the fifth inning. This was, at the time, also a Major League record for most strikeouts without a walk.[88]
Tied the Major League record for most consecutive strikeouts in a row by striking out tenPittsburgh Pirates on August 11. Burnes tied the mark set by the Mets'Tom Seaver on April 22, 1970, against theSan Diego Padres and equaled in 2021 on June 25 byAaron Nola against theNew York Mets.[89]
After his 15-strikeout performance against theWashington Nationals on April 23, deGrom set the Major League record for most strikeouts by a pitcher in their first four starts of a season, with 50. He broke the record of 48 that was set byNolan Ryan in 1978 and equaled byShane Bieber earlier this season.[90]
deGrom struck out nine against theBoston Red Sox on April 28, which gave him 59 in his first five starts of a season. He tied the record that was set byNolan Ryan in 1978.[91]
Threw a "complete game no-hitter" in the second game of a seven-inning doubleheader against theAtlanta Braves on April 25. As the game did not go nine innings, it is not counted as a no-hitter by the Elias Sports Bureau, the official statistician of Major League Baseball.[92]
With his strikeout ofJoey Gallo on May 17 in the first inning, Cole set a Major League record for most strikeouts without a walk at 59, breaking the record set by Corbin Burnes less than a week before. Cole extended his record to 61 before he issued a walk to Gallo in the third inning.[93]
Recorded his 2,000th career strikeout by gettingCurt Casali in the third inning against theSan Francisco Giants on May 27. He became the 84th pitcher to reach this mark.[95]
Recorded his 1,500th career strikeout in the sixth inning by gettingSteven Souza Jr. of theLos Angeles Dodgers on June 21. Darvish became the fastest pitcher in Major League history to reach that milestone in 197 games. He broke the record ofRandy Johnson, who need 206 games.[96]
Tied the Major League record for most consecutive strikeouts in a row by striking out tenNew York Mets on June 25 in the first game of a seven-inning doubleheader. Nola tied the mark that was set by the Mets'Tom Seaver on April 22, 1970, against theSan Diego Padres.[97]
These five pitchers combined to throw a "no-hitter" in the second game of a seven-inning doubleheader against theCleveland Indians on July 7. As the game did not go nine innings, it is not counted as a no-hitter by the Elias Sports Bureau, the official statistician of Major League Baseball.[98]
Set a Major League record for most consecutive strikeouts in the Modern Era (since 1900) to start a game by getting the first nineAtlanta Braves on July 11. The record was eight and was accomplished byJim Deshaies (1986),Jacob deGrom (2014) andGermán Márquez (2018).[99]
Closing out the Cardinals 2–1 victory against theSan Francisco Giants on July 18, Reyes set the Major League record for most consecutive saves to start a career. With his 24th straight save, he broke the record that was held byLaTroy Hawkins.[100] Two days later against theChicago Cubs, Reyes failed to convert the save, ending his streak at 24 games.[101]
Recorded his 300th career save in closing out a 7–6 win over theOakland Athletics on August 26. He became the 31st pitcher to reach this mark.[102]
Became the fastest pitcher in Major League history to reach 1,000 strikeouts in 601 innings pitched on September 30 against theToronto Blue Jays. He broke the record that was set by Craig Kimbrel earlier this season.[85]
Recorded his 150th career win by getting credited with the win in relief against theSeattle Mariners on August 26. He became the 265th pitcher to reach this mark.[104]
Adams set a new Major League record for the Live Ball Era (since 1920) for most hit-batsmen in one season when he hitSt. Louis Cardinals catcherYadier Molina in the eighth inning on September 17. He broke the record in the Live Ball Era held byHoward Ehmke, who hit 23 batters in 1922 in 2792⁄3 innings. Adams set the record in 492⁄3 innings.[106]
Recorded his 2,000th career strikeout by fanningLuis Urías in the fourth inning against theMilwaukee Brewers on September 23. He became the 85th pitcher to reach this mark.[108]
On September 26 against theSeattle Mariners, Ohtani became the sixth starter in MLB history to make at least 13 home starts without a losing decision and an ERA below 2.00 in a season.[109]
Became the first team in Major League Opening Day history to hit four home runs in one inning on April 1 against theSan Diego Padres.[111]
With their road loss to theSan Francisco Giants on June 16, the Diamondbacks tied the Major League record for most consecutive road losses at 22 games. They tied the record that was set by the 1943Philadelphia Athletics and equaled by the 1963New York Mets.[112] The Diamondbacks set a new Major League record for road futility the next day against the Giants, as they lost their 23rd straight road game by a score of 10–3.[113] The Diamondbacks would later extend their road losing streak to 24 games when they lost to theSan Diego Padres on June 25 before finally ending the streak with a 10–1 win against the Padres the next day.[114]
Became the first player in Major League modern history to start at four different positions in the field through his team's first four games of the season. Gonzalez patrolled left field on Opening Day for Boston before manning second base, third base and first base in the ensuing contests, respectively.[115]
Became the sixth catcher in Major League history to catch 2,000 games in his career. He reached this milestone on April 14 against theWashington Nationals. Molina also becomes the first player to do this with a single team.[116]
In the second game of a doubleheader on April 14 against theMinnesota Twins, the Red Sox became the first team in Major League history to open the season with at least three straight losses and immediately follow that by winning at least nine straight games.[117]
With their win against theMinnesota Twins on April 21, which was their 11th consecutive win, they became the first team in Major League history to follow an 0–6 start to the season by winning 11 straight games at any point in that same season.[118]
Became the first team in Major League history to hit seven or more home runs and two grand slams in a single game on May 21 against thePittsburgh Pirates.[120]
With his umpiring of theCardinals–White Sox game on May 24, West umpired his 5,375th career Major League regular-season game. This tied him withHall of FamerBill Klem, who retired in 1941. West announced he will be retiring at the end of the season.[121] West set a new record the following night, serving as the home-plate umpire.[122]
On August 31, a game between theNew York Mets and theMiami Marlins which had been suspended on April 11 was completed. The 142 days between suspension and resumption set a record for the largest gap in Major League history.[125]
Moved into second place with the most regular-season wins in Major League history with his 2,764th win as the White Sox defeated theDetroit Tigers 3–0 on June 6. La Russa broke a tie that he had withJohn McGraw.Connie Mack holds the all-time record with 3,731 career wins.[126]
Tied the Major League record for mosttriple plays turned in a season when they turned one on June 20 against theOakland Athletics. This was their third triple play of the season. The last team to turn three triple plays in a season was the 2016Chicago White Sox.[127]
Became the first team in Major League history to have a pair of games with two grand slams in the same season. The Dodgers hit two slams on July 10 against theArizona Diamondbacks, and on May 2 against theMilwaukee Brewers.[128]
Ended the regular season with106 wins, but finished second in theNL West, a game behind theSan Francisco Giants, becoming the team with most wins that failed to finish first in its league or division. The previous record of 104 wins had been set by the1909 Chicago Cubs and1942 Brooklyn Dodgers. This also marked the first time in Major League history that two teams in the same division, or even in the same league (American or National), had won 105 or more games in the same season.[129][130]
Players were selected through fan votes (50%) and votes from a panel of experts (50%). The winners were selected based on merit, with no set number of nominees per position and no distinction between leagues.
TheNike MLB "City Connect" program aims to create new uniform designs inspired by the teams' home cities.[179][180]The following teams released alternate uniforms as part of Nike's "City Connect" series:
TheSan Francisco Giants City Connect uniforms featured an orange and white design, a silhouette of the Golden Gate Bridge and a unique fog gradient across the front, sleeves and numbering of the jerseys.
TheMiami Marlins City Connect uniforms featured a red base, white pinstripes and white letters with light blue trim as a tribute to theCuban Sugar Kings.[182]
TheChicago White Sox City Connect uniforms were in a dark grey shade with white pinstripes and features Gothic-styled lettering as homage to theSouth Side of Chicago.[183]
TheChicago Cubs City Connect uniforms were dark blue with sky blue accents, with elements inspired by theflag of Chicago. The uniform emblazons "Wrigleyville" in front, in a lettering style similar to theWrigley Field marquee.[184]
TheArizona Diamondbacks City Connect uniforms were sand with black letters and red numbers, and features "Serpientes" in front as homage to Arizona'sHispanic community.[185]
TheLos Angeles Dodgers City Connect uniforms featured a blue cap, jersey and pants with "Los Dodgers" written on the cap and jersey.
The Red Sox wore a "Boston Strong" patch on April 19,Patriots Day.
Players, managers, and coaches wore No. 42 on April 15 and/or 16 to mark the 74th anniversary ofJackie Robinson's debut in the majors. The Mets and Nationals, who were rained out on April 15, wore them on April 23.
MLB introduced a newLou GehrigDay commemoration on June 2, which marked the 80-year anniversary of Gehrig's death, and include appeals toALS-related charities. All players wore a commemorative Lou Gehrig Day patch, and optionally a red wristband reading "4 ALS" in reference to Gehrig's retired No. 4.[190]
On September 11, theNew York Mets wore 2001 era home uniforms with "NEW YORK" on the jersey to mark the 20th anniversary of theSeptember 11 attacks.[191]
TheAtlanta Braves wore their 1974 white pullover jerseys from April 9 to 14 in honor ofHank Aaron andPhil Niekro.[192] They broke out the throwbacks again from July 30 to August 1 for Hank Aaron Weekend.[193]
Unlike 2020, where all games (except the NLCS and World Series) were playedbehind closed doors, all MLB teams allowed in-person attendance this season; initial capacities were determined by teams and local health officials, and gradually increased to full capacity over the course of the season as active cases declined and more local residents receivedCOVID-19 vaccines.[199][200][201] To help promote vaccination, a number of teams announced that they would sponsor walk-in clinics at their home games (with the Seattle Mariners being the first to do so), and offer promotions such as merchandise or game tickets for those who use the clinics (Atlanta, New York Mets and Yankees), or other promotions for vaccinated spectators at games.[202][200]
On February 18, theToronto Blue Jays announced that they would open the home portion of their schedule atTD Ballpark inDunedin, Florida due to travel restrictions enforced by the Canadian federal government.[2] On May 5, it was announced that the Blue Jays would return toSahlen Field in Buffalo—where the team played the majority of their home games in 2020—on June 1.[3] On July 16, the Blue Jays received a National Interest Exemption from theCanadian government to host games atRogers Centre beginning July 30.[4]
Capacity and vaccination/testing restrictions as of the 2021 season
Team
Limitations
Source
Arizona
Initial: Capped at 25% capacity. From May 25: Full capacity.
Initial: Capped at 20% capacity with negative COVID-19 PCR test within past 72 hours, negative COVID-19 rapid antigen test within past six hours, or vaccination completed no fewer than 14 days prior to the game. From May 19: Stadium sections that are not reserved to fully-vaccinated spectators are capped at 33% capacity. All other sections have no capacity limit. From June 18: Full capacity
Initial: Capped at 9,000 spectators. From June 8: Capped at 20,000 spectators. From July 5: Full capacity (25,000. due maximum capacity at Tropicana field due to renovations to the upper decks).
Initial (TD Ballpark): 15% capacity. From June 1 (Sahlen Field): 50% capacity. From June 24 (Sahlen Field): Full capacity. From July 30 (Rogers Centre): Capped at 15,000 spectators (30%) From September 13 (Rogers Centre): Proof of vaccination or negative test required for all attendees 12 and older
On March 11, it was announced that the team would not limit attendance for their home opener, but will voluntarily offer designated "distanced seating" sections afterwards. All mandatory capacity restrictions and mask requirements in Texas were lifted on March 10 via executive order, but the team will still mandate masks to be worn by spectators.
This was the eighth and final year of the contracts withFox,ESPN, andTBS before the new seven-year deals begin in 2022.FS1 televised games on Tuesday nights and on Saturday, both during the afternoon and evening. Fox also aired some Saturday night games. ESPN televised games on its flagshipSunday Night Baseball as well as Monday and Wednesday night games and holiday games on Memorial Day and Labor Day. ESPN Sunday Night Baseball telecasts were exclusive.
TBS televised 13 straight weeks of Sunday afternoon games and also televised the National League postseason. The American League postseason was split between ESPN, Fox/FS1, and MLB Network (AL Wild Card on ESPN, the ALDS split between FS1 and MLB Network, and the ALCS on Fox and FS1). For the 22nd straight year, the2021 World Series aired exclusively on Fox.[230]
ABC televised aSunday Night Baseball matchup between theChicago White Sox and theChicago Cubs on August 8. The broadcast marked ABC's first broadcast ofSunday Night Baseball and the first regular season game it has broadcast since its involvement inThe Baseball Network in 1995. Former ABC broadcaster and 2021Ford C. Frick Award winnerAl Michaels appeared as a special guest.[232]
On January 4,Marquee Sports Network announced thatJon Sciambi would become the television play-by-play voice for theChicago Cubs, replacingLen Kasper, who moved to the White Sox radio booth as described below.[233] If Sciambi is unavailable due to his commitments to ESPN, eitherPat Hughes,Beth Mowins, orChris Myers would fill in for him. Mowins will be the first woman to perform play-by-play for the Cubs, and fifth league-wide.[234]
In January,Victor Rojas resigned as the television play-by-play voice of theLos Angeles Angels to become the president of theFrisco RoughRiders, adouble-A affiliate of theTexas Rangers.[235][236] The Angels announced on March 13 thatMatt Vasgersian will serve as its primary play-by-play voice, withDaron Sutton as the substitute during Vasgersian's ESPN and MLB Network assignments (though for part of the 2021 season, Sutton called most of the games as Vasgersian opted to work remotely). Vasgersian and Sutton were also joined byJosé Mota, who shared color commentary withMark Gubicza.[237] However, the Angels parted ways with Sutton after only three months, withRich Waltz taking over as his replacement.[238]
The Baltimore Orioles andMASN did not renew the contracts of play-by-play voicesGary Thorne andJim Hunter, analystsMike Bordick andRick Dempsey, and studio host Tom Davis, among others. Scott Garceau, who called most Orioles television games last season, took over as the primary play-by-play voice, whileBen McDonald became the backup analyst.[239]
The Cincinnati Reds hiredJohn Sadak to serve as its television play-by-play announcer. Sadak replacedThom Brennaman, who was suspended and later fired after he used ahomophobic slur in a game on August 19 against the Kansas City Royals.[240]
New England Sports Network (NESN) announced plans to produce all Boston Red Sox home games in4K withHDR, making it only the second team (after the Toronto Blue Jays) to produce all regional home games in 4K.[241]
In November 2020, the Toronto Blue Jays released their radio play-by-play announcerMike Wilner.[247] In February 2021,Rogers Sports & Media announced that theToronto Blue Jays Radio Network will not produce a separate broadcast of games for radio this season, and that all broadcasts will now be a simulcast of the television broadcast onSportsnet withBuck Martinez andDan Shulman, augmented with radio-exclusive segments hosted by Rob Wong and Shoaib Ali.[248] The team's remaining radio play-by-play announcerBen Wagner was reassigned as a field reporter. Rogers' statement that this arrangement was due to COVID-19 protocols and to "minimize travel" has been disputed by media outlets, as radio and television broadcasts of all Blue Jays games had already been called remotely during the 2020 season, with no changes in personnel.[249][250][251]
On February 4, Los Angeles Dodgers Spanish-language broadcasterJorge Jarrín announced his retirement effective immediately. He initially joined the Dodgers in 2004 as a sales and marketing executive, moving to broadcasting in 2012. He initially called televised games alongside former Dodgers star playerManny Mota before moving to radio in 2015, joining his fatherJaime on the Dodgers' Spanish radio team.[252]
On September 28, Jaime Jarrín announced he planned to retire after the 2022 season, his 64th as a part of the Dodgers' Spanish radio broadcast team. Jarrín, who turns 86 in December 2021, plans to work only Dodgers home games in 2022.[253]
Jerry Koosman had his No. 36 officially retired by theNew York Mets on August 28, after the ceremony was delayed a year due to theCOVID-19 pandemic. This was the sixth number retired by the team.[314]
Larry Walker had his No. 33 officially retired by theColorado Rockies on September 25, after the ceremony was delayed a year due to theCOVID-19 pandemic. It was the third number retired by the team.[315]
^Reichard, Kevin (March 31, 2021)."New for 2021: loanDepot park".Ballpark Digest. August Publications.Archived from the original on April 7, 2021. RetrievedMarch 31, 2021.
