Jul 08, 2003 02:22 PM
9975 Views
(Updated Jul 09, 2003 04:00 AM)
Although this article is thought out and I thoroughly realize the authors hate for the game, I have to respectfully disagree.
First, the strike, although it is a huge problem in baseball, has occurred less then ten times in its over 100 year history. Although I agree that this is too much, it is not enough to say that the sport is a wash, especially since all of these strikes were relatively short with the exception of the 1994 strike and baseball is not the only sport with labor problems.
The argument that the first 100 games do not mean anything is preposterous. I have seen a team's entire season decided by one game several times. A team may have been able to make the playoffs if they had won one more game, whether that game came at the beginning of the season in April or in September. Also, the rivalries bring sellout crowds during any time of the year. Cross town rivals or legendary rivalries provide a thrill whether its the first or the last game of the season.
The point that most of the play is between the pitchers and the catcher is like saying most of football is between the quarterback and the receiver. The fact is that some of the most important plays in games and seasons have been made by fielders. They are also the ones that play the game almost every day, while starting pitchers only must pitch once every five days. Lets not forget about baserunning as well. Sometimes the pitcher is so preoccupied with the baserunners the batter the focus ends up shifting. Steals and baserunning threats change the strategy of the game and can be key in baseball.
I agree that salaries are too high, but if one was to take up that argument then one must say that every sport is stupid. Although baseball does not have a salary cap, the fact remains that players in other sports are also earning many millions of dollars in a single season.
I appreciate and respect the opinion but with all due respect do not think the points are backed up sufficiently.
