:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/67093648/usa_today_14554408.0.jpg)
The MLB is trying out a plethora of methods to make baseball games this season feel as close to normal as possible without there being actual fans in the stands.
This includes pumping in crowd noise — including the accompanying reactions to positive plays (cheers) and negative ones (groans and boos). Another thing that teams are allowing their fans to do is submit pictures of themselves to be printed on cardboard cutouts that will then be placed behind home plate and in plain view of the broadcast camera.
The San Diego Padres are taking a similar approach to the matter but instead of fans, they are creating cardboard cutouts for family members and other important figures in the lives of the team.
For the #Padres first series of the season, cutouts of players’ family members and other people who have played significant roles in players’ lives will be placed behind home plate so they are visible to players and TV audience.
— Kevin Acee (@sdutKevinAcee) July 21, 2020
Earlier on Tuesday, the team announced they are expanding the cutout program to include 500 members of the armed services. This is absolutely fantastic and the perfect move by San Diego along with USAA. If you are a member of the military, you can go ahead and submit your military photo here along with the rest of the information in hopes of landing one of the 500 coveted spots!
Due to overwhelming demand, @USAA is proud to extend the #Padres Military fan cutout giveaway to 500 additional service men and women.
— San Diego Padres (@Padres) July 22, 2020
Submit your military photo for your chance to be placed in the Military Appreciation Section this season: https://t.co/T19Ozdqyel pic.twitter.com/BuEHNEe8Kz
Lastly, USAA is giving a discount to military, veterans, and their families for 35% off on MLB.TV subscriptions for this season. This is all available at Padres.com/USSA.
Only another two days until Chris Paddack takes the mound! Go Padres, baby.