Yes, those are virtual fans you’re seeing during FOX’s MLB coverage

Virtual fans will be coming to FOX’s telecasts of MLB games this Saturday. If it’s successful, will it be a regular occurrence?

Major League Baseball is continuing to innovate with its broadcasts. That has become a theme for the sports world as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. After the success of the MLB Spring Training “All-Access” broadcasts, the league is going to bring fans together virtually to boo, cheer and wave during the Saturday slate that includes the Chicago Cubs vs. Milwaukee Brewers, Los Angeles Dodgers vs. the San Francisco Giants and the Washington Nationals vs. New York Yankees.

The league is literally replacing human fans with digital stand-ins but it’s being sold as an authentic experience. The most authentic thing about the game is the fan passion.

https://twitter.com/FOXSports/status/128628134639074099

If the MLB succeeds with this, it should be a regular thing that happens with rivalry games, big matchups that have playoff implications, and during the playoffs. Baseball is back and hopefully, this broadcast experience goes over well with the fans.