Baseball has been our national pastime and will always be a staple in our culture and the sports world. It’s the classic game, one that is directly tied to summer and relaxing in the good weather (mostly), something the other big three sports don’t have a claim to. Additionally, baseball is one of those sports you either grew up with, loved, and will always appreciate, or didn’t.
The MLB will always have a fanbase. Unfortunately, the league itself has not done the best job at expanding the fanbase and making the game more exciting. The league is always looking for ways to improve but seems to make the wrong decisions and sometimes, greedy ones. Remember when they said they needed to cut the number of minor league teams to save money? They lied. The league can still expand the game and frankly, might need to do so soon.
Speed > Power
One of the dilemmas and debates that every baseball fan likely has is whether speed or power is better for the game. Currently, the game is dominated by power. Power hitting, power pitching, and consequentially, power in the field. As a result, the game has been boiled down to home runs, strikeouts, and walks. Additionally, the power hitters who are liabilities in the field are put in the corner outfield positions with managers hoping the ball isn’t hit in their direction.
The argument in favor of power comes from multiple sources. The fans are initially in love with power since the home run is the most exciting play in baseball. Executives and front offices also agree as power (plus good plate discipline) carries unprecedented value and is essential to building a contender. Unfortunately, the power in baseball has sapped the game of speed and athleticism. Athletes are not running around the basepaths and a line drive to left field is an unlikely out. Speed is further eliminated from the game when the analytics have shown that stealing bases is not worth it.
The game is not a speed-based one and is not prioritizing speed. While the home run is exciting, the remaining outcomes have become dull and unwatchable. Speed leaves the game with more consistent entertainment and a constant level of excitement. The MLB must consider ways to inject speed back into the game. Whether it’s moving the fences back, changing the level of the strike zone, or the like. An emphasis needs to return to building a faster game. Granted, the game is more athletic than ever but athletes are not making as many plays as they should be.
Sports Betting
Sports betting and fantasy sports have become a staple of sports and mainstream. In the past five years, the industry has rapidly grown and has become normalized across all sports. Many people associate betting and fantasy sports primarily with football, understandably so. Football is the biggest sport of the four and garners the largest audience for both.
Interestingly, sports betting and fantasy sports have become more internal to the success and viewership of the MLB and other sports. After all, fans will watch Thursday Night Football regardless of who is playing but not that 10 PM Eastern time game in Oakland.
This is where sports betting has become a key boost to the viewership and overall popularity of baseball. Once you have an Over/Under bet on a game, that game is a must-watch event. Those late games that otherwise weren’t intriguing are suddenly worth watching and worth rooting for (whether it be an Underdog or a Total). The history of baseball isn’t favorable to gambling and sports betting. On the contrary, it has a dark history affiliated, leading to fixed games and Hall of Fame players being forever disenfranchised.
In the future, however, the MLB has to recognize the manifest destiny of gambling and the benefits it brings to the game, particularly, the fans. Fans at games have more interest in staying when their money is suddenly on the line. It might sound crazy, but allowing fans in the stadiums to bet live will change everything and instantly increase popularity.
All Stadiums Must Have A Retractable Roof
One of the biggest buzzkills in baseball is when a game is postponed for rain. Baseball is the only sport with that variable where when it rains, the game can be delayed or even canceled. It’s a small thing that has annoyed fans from the casual to passionate fans and everyone in between. The MLB has allowed the rainouts to be a part of the game, despite having an easy fix.
Forcing all the new stadiums that are built to require a retractable roof will not only eliminate cancelations but will also allow teams to have a normal 162 regular game season. Instead of teams being forced to play doubleheaders or multiple games at the end of the season, the season will be more efficient. Granted, some cities don’t receive rain like Los Angeles and San Diego. Granted, baseball is intended to be played outdoors and fans love their “picturesque ballparks” with the scenery only baseball provides. However, the option should be available for all 30 MLB ballparks and used when need be.
Finally, Incentivise the Game For the Younger Audience
The future of the game is in the younger fanbase. The kids and youth are essential to the game’s growth and future popularity. Many people have stressed the importance of attracting the kids to the game and have added all possible suggestions. I can’t list any ideas that haven’t already been thought of rather can only notice how the game of baseball possesses a few advantages.
For starts, baseball is the summer game. Unlike the other major sports, baseball plays the majority of its season in the vacation months or times when there is no school. Likewise, there will always be the urge to go to the ballpark with kids and just take in the atmosphere. For the MLB, it’s truly about taking advantage and motivating fans, especially the younger ones to not only attend games but become a staple for their local teams at the ballpark. As we currently see from the Little League World Series, kids love the game and the game needs to appreciate them as a result.
