SF Giants CEO Larry Baer talks healing power of baseball, 'no magic date' for return of MLB

SAN FRANCISCO (KGO) -- On the day that was supposed to be the home opener for the San Francisco Giants, CEO Larry Baer joined ABC7 News for a virtual interview - The theme of his message was healing.

As professional sports have come to a screeching halt due to the novel coronavirus pandemic, sports fans are at a loss for their usual form of escape and entertainment.

RELATED: SF Giants manager Gabe Kapler social distancing, excited for games to return

Baer is looking forward to the day where the country, and world, can get this back, and reassures us, it will come.

"We did not have a home opener today as everyone knows," he said. "But we look to the day that we'll be able to bring some joy and some community spirit to everyone and some healing."

The Giants "Opening Day" was not a total loss. The team had their home opener, literally from home, as they invited fans to connect on social media and listen to highlights of great games which spark comradery and a sense that their team is still here.

RELATED: San Francisco Giants' Hunter Pence, wife Lexi share how they're sheltering in place

When asked about a target date for the real thing, Baer talked about "the resumption of baseball through crises," again brining up a message of healing.

Referencing the return of baseball after World War I and the Spanish Flu, he says the sport has always created a "healing, soothing tonic for this country."

"There's no magic date," he said, given the "extraordinary circumstance."

RELATED: Giants owners, executives pledging additional $700K to game-day staff

There just needs to be a respectable number of games to determine divisional winners and have a post-season.

"It will be great healing," he said.

He also touched on the possibility of bringing baseball back with no fans in the park, if that's what it takes to keep everyone safe.

Go here for the latest stories and videos about the San Francisco Giants.

If you have a question or comment about the coronavirus crisis, submit yours via the form below or here.

Get the latest news, information and videos about the novel coronavirus pandemic here

RELATED STORIES & VIDEOS:

• Live updates about coronavirus outbreak in US, around the world
• WATCH: ABC7's interactive town hall 'Race and Coronavirus: A Bay Area Conversation'
• Everything you need to know about the Bay Area's shelter-in-place order
• Stimulus calculator: How much money should you expect from coronavirus relief bill
• What Bay Area tenants need to know about rent payments, eviction amid COVID-19 outbreak
• Live updates about coronavirus outbreak in US, around the world
• Here's how shelter in place, stay at home orders can slow spread of COVID-19
• Coronavirus Timeline: Tracking major moments of COVID-19 pandemic in San Francisco Bay Area/
• Coronavirus and the new normal of living in the San Francisco-Bay Area -- COVID-19 Diaries
• Happy hour goes virtual as people try to be sociable while social distancing during COVID-19 crisis
• Coronavirus Outbreak: Here's why you should practice 'social distancing'
• DRONEVIEW7: What the Bay Area looks like during the coronavirus shelter-in-place
• ABC7's drive around San Francisco shows empty streets, businesses shuttered
• Symptoms, prevention, and how to prepare for a COVID-19 outbreak in the US
• List of stores, companies closing due to coronavirus pandemic
• Canceled late fees, free services available amid COVID-19 crisis
• Here's how you can help during COVID-19 pandemic
• How to maintain learning during school closures
• No masks but here are 100+ products that may help protect you against novel coronavirus germs
• Here's a look at some of history's worst pandemics that have killed millions
• Asian community fighting racism, xenophobia, bigotry as world fights COVID-19