Major League Baseball quotes

“We are gonna do our best to take the crowd out of it early. Wish us luck.”

ADAM EATON, Chicago White Sox outfielder, joking on Twitter before the White Sox and Baltimore Orioles played the first major league game without spectators. The Orioles, Major League Baseball and Baltimore authorities agreed to ban spectators so police resources would not be needed for a game at a time of civil unrest in Baltimore.

“I could have been carrying my daughter up the stairs. So, outlaw carrying your daughter up the stairs. Outlaw covering first. Outlaw fielding a bunt. It was a fluke thing and baseball needs to stay exactly where it is.”

ADAM WAINWRIGHT, St. Louis Cardinals pitcher, to the St. Louis Post-Dispatch, after the season-ending Achilles’ tendon tear he suffered while batting sparked cries for the National League to adopt the designated hitter and spare pitchers from batting.

“I envy his bank account, not the expectations that come along with that.”

DAVID ROSS, Chicago Cubs catcher, after teammate Jon Lester won his first game for the Cubs on Friday, in his fifth start. Lester signed a $155-million contract with the Cubs last off-season.

— Bill Shaikin