Big league players were just glad to be back on the field this year playing some games, however difficult the circumstances.
Between the lines, anyway, they could feel normal during these abnormal times.
The teams that persevered to reach the 16-team bracket are thrilled to be playing meaningful games at the end of this ordeal. Even backing into the playoffs with a losing record, as the Milwaukee Brewers did, was a cause for celebration.
“Look, this is a season where all of us -- we're all presented with unique challenges,” Brewers manager Craig Counsell said.