MLB offers free tickets to fans who receive COVID-19 vaccine shots in June

As with the other major North American professional sports leagues, MLB wishes to safely fill all its venues to their capacities from the start of summer through the end of the year and into 2022 despite continued concerns related to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. 

On Friday, MLB announced its "Vaccinate At The Plate" program, which involves all 30 teams hosting at least one event in June where fans not yet vaccinated against the coronavirus can receive a free ticket to a game by getting a vaccine shot at that event. Individual clubs will determine specifics for such events, including locations and dates, and those interested are encouraged to visit MLB.com/vaccine for more information. 

"Major League Baseball wants to play a role in expanding widespread adoption of the vaccines which have proven to be safe and effective," MLB medical director Dr. Gary Green said for the prepared statement. "As more people get vaccinated, the rate of infection decreases and more areas of society can safely reopen. We are proud of the efforts MLB Clubs are taking to help in this effort."

While MLB and the MLB Players Association aren't mandating players be vaccinated to participate in the season, those entities confirmed Friday that 85.2% of all Tier 1 employees -- which includes players, managers, coaches, trainers, and other essential personnel -- are considered either partially or fully vaccinated. 82.9% of Tier 1 individuals are now fully vaccinated. 

Only one MLB player and one Triple-A player tested positive for COVID-19 over the past week.