Empty stadiums on game day used to only be a problem for the league’s bottom dwellers.  Now, as sports try to coexist with the global coronavirus pandemic, empty seats will be a fact of life for every team, until large gatherings become safe again.  This distinct lack of fans has caused some of the league’s more resourceful teams to generate their very own brand of home-field advantage.

The teddy bears filling the left-field bleachers at Chase Field is one way that the Arizona Diamondbacks are looking to create that advantage.

The plush bears are dressed in jerseys representing the D-backs Youth Jersey Program.  A program that benefits the Arizona youth sports community by providing uniforms for tens of thousands of young aspiring athletes and their coaches in the Grand Canyon state’s little leagues.

According to DbacksPressbox.com, the teddy bears were placed in the left-field bleachers upon the request of left-fielder David Peralta.  Peralta’s goal was to bring awareness to the cause while also allowing him, and the rest of the team, to be reminded of fans, and even more importantly, family, during these troubling times.

Peralta, with the help of the Arizona Diamondbacks, donates stuffed animals to patients who are currently residing in the Phoenix Children’s Hospital, as well as the Banner Cardon Children’s Hospital.

For every home run that is hit into the section of teddy bears, Chase Bank and the Diamondbacks will donate $1,000 to the Play Ball Fund.  The fund is dedicated to supporting youth little league teams by giving grants to teams, leagues and organizations in order to help them pay for equipment, facility upgrades, operating expenses or training.  Donations are currently on hold as the foundation is actively donating to assist in COVID-19 relief efforts caused by the pandemic.

Peralta, a 2019 Gold Glove Award Winner, is batting .267 with 13 hits and a team-leading nine RBI.