Ovation for Mancini highlights spring play

Nolan Arenado in his new Cardinal red, Buster Posey returning from an opt-out year and a socially distanced standing ovation for Trey Mancini.

All over spring training, baseball enjoyed reassuring signs Sunday on the opening day of Grapefruit and Cactus league play.

Including people in the seats, albeit in numbers limited by COVID-19 protocols.

The Toronto-New York Yankees game at Steinbrenner Field in Tampa, Fla., drew 2,637, close to its permitted maximum of 2,800. In Bradenton, the Baltimore-Pittsburgh crowd of 1,705 was listed as a sellout.

Many top names were in play too. All-Stars DJ LeMahieu, Jose Altuve and Joey Votto took swings, but by far the most touching scene involved Mancini.

After producing 35 home runs and 97 RBIs for the Orioles in 2019, he seemed primed for even bigger things. But after playing in just five exhibitions last year, he needed to end his season to have surgery for colon cancer.

When Mancini came up in the first inning against the Pirates, he drew applause. The cheers kept growing, with pitcher Chad Kuhl stepping off the mound and umpire Will Little cleaning the plate to prolong the salute. Mancini took off his helmet to acknowledge a standing ovation that included the fans and both teams. “It was amazing,” he said.

Moments later, the first baseman, who turns 29 in a few weeks, lined a single to center field.

Shortstop Fernando Tatís Jr. gets a full no-trade provision through 2028 as part of his 14-year, $330-million contract with the San Diego Padres . ... Vi Ripken, matriarch of the famed Orioles family that includes son Cal Ripken Jr., died at 82. A family spokesman said she died Friday in Aberdeen, Md . ... The Kansas City Royals and third baseman Hunter Dozier agreed to a four-year, $25-million contract that includes a fifthyear option.