Baseball has been fouling out for years. No longer are the days of millions watching baseball and having baseball be the hot topic at the dinner table. Viewership between the years 1990-2004 there were twelve World series with at least 20 million viewers and three with over 30 million viewers, while 2005-2019 only one World series reached over 20 million viewers.
Baseball remains “America’s pastime,”- yet viewership is on the decline. During all of the twentieth century many ballparks would be sold out and baseball players would be many childrens idols. Why is baseball on the decline?
Many complain about baseball’s lack of action. The MLB has tried to combat the slow pace by giving the players less time in between innings. A step in the right direction.
“We know the game’s boring, man, it’s a long game, we know it’s boring. So, you got to do dope stuff that’s going to draw the crowd,”
White Sox shortstop Tim Anderson Said
“We know the game’s boring, man, it’s a long game, we know it’s boring. So, you got to do dope stuff that’s going to draw the crowd,” White Sox shortstop Tim Anderson Said
Players like Anderson are trying to make baseball “fun again.” Players are adding a sense of style and spice to the game, like celebrating after a home run or a big play. The new big phenomenon seems to be the “bat flip,” when a player throws their bat after hitting a home run.
Just by adding flair baseball has increased its popularity.
The next step to taking a big jump for MLB is tough to say. Many suggest using metal bats such as they do in college, but this will only lead to injured players and inflated numbers. Since baseball is “America’s pastime,” the MLB can not change too much because of how it may affect the record books.
So why should we pay attention to baseball now?
Baseball has brought America together. President George W. Bush showed the nation’s strength as he threw out the first pitch of World Series Game 3 in New York City just seven weeks after the tragedies of 9/11. This small act showed the strength in which America has. During these tough times during covid I believe baseball can lead to another act which will symbolize the strength of the American people.
