Garrett Crochet, Tanner Houck and Tarik Skubal made their big league debuts pitching in empty ballparks. No family members were there to share the moment when Ryan Mountcastle and Brent Rooker got their first hits.
They were among 212 players who made their MLB debuts during the 2020 season that was delayed and shortened to 60 games because of the COVID-19 pandemic. When the games finally began late that July, no fans were allowed and the only crowd noise was artificial through stadium speakers.
"All the buildup and all the hard work and everything, it was like I expected a little more. ... I just felt like I was missing out," said Crochet, a Chicago White Sox left-hander .
"You dream of playing on the big stage, but you don't really understand what it entails. So debuting in the COVID year, to be honest, wasn't the best," said Skubal, a 17-game winner this season for Detroit .
Four summers later, Skubal, Crochet and Boston starter Houck were first-time All-Stars this year with fellow pandemic debuts Philadelphia third baseman Alec Bohm, Washington reliever Kyle Finnegan and Cubs infielder Isaac Paredes . Eleven others have made All-Star teams, including two-time picks San Diego infielder Jake Cronenworth, Milwaukee catcher William Contreras and Tampa Bay pitcher Shane McClanahan.
