So long to the good old ball game
WATERLOO (CUP) “You've got a diamond. You've got nine men. You've got a hat and a bat. And that's not all!” Perhaps the Blue Jays knew something that others didn't when they introduced this catchy seventh-inning stretch theme song many years ago.
Maybe a modern remix will be developed in the near future. How about: “You've got the steroids. Got 'em from spring to fall. You've got wireless phones, growth hormones, and the umpire's call. Whaddaya want? Let's play ball!”
Well, maybe not.
With baseball headlines over the last couple of years covering steroids and the U.S. Congress, to Roger Clemens's yearly retirement, to the Yankees payroll passing the $200 million mark, I was ready for a different tale.
This was when a small story on the Chicago Cubs and Wrigley Field that caught my eye. The Cubbies are the first team to shy away from the traditional old-school telephones used to call out to the bullpen from the dugout.
Motorola has contracted with the organization to introduce wireless headsets on a private line for Dusty Baker to make his calls to the 'pen.
Most will view this as a miniscule and irrelevant technological advancement; however, it really made me think about how much baseball has changed.
Considered to be a traditionalist, I find it difficult to accept the likes of Barry Bonds and Mark McGwire as all-time greats due to their steroid issues. While the steroid issue sparks much debate amongst diehard baseball fans, the vital part for Major League Baseball is how all of these changes resonate amongst casual fans and the general public.
In an era where the competition between various sports to win the fans' interest is as intense as ever, should MLB focus its attention on more serious matters? I'd say yes.
Baseball has established itself as an international game and there is evidence of some form of competitive parity. The World Baseball Classic was a great success and the days of the Yankees plowing through the competition have diminished. Unfortunately, until the lurking, overpowering black clouds hanging over MLB are dealt with, its public image will remain tarnished.
While innovations such as wireless phones may be convenient, the casual fan that is so important to the long-term success of the league might turn to his friend and ask, “Is he calling for a relief pitcher or another order of steroids?”
Maybe a modern remix will be developed in the near future. How about: “You've got the steroids. Got 'em from spring to fall. You've got wireless phones, growth hormones, and the umpire's call. Whaddaya want? Let's play ball!”
Well, maybe not.
With baseball headlines over the last couple of years covering steroids and the U.S. Congress, to Roger Clemens's yearly retirement, to the Yankees payroll passing the $200 million mark, I was ready for a different tale.
This was when a small story on the Chicago Cubs and Wrigley Field that caught my eye. The Cubbies are the first team to shy away from the traditional old-school telephones used to call out to the bullpen from the dugout.
Motorola has contracted with the organization to introduce wireless headsets on a private line for Dusty Baker to make his calls to the 'pen.
Most will view this as a miniscule and irrelevant technological advancement; however, it really made me think about how much baseball has changed.
Considered to be a traditionalist, I find it difficult to accept the likes of Barry Bonds and Mark McGwire as all-time greats due to their steroid issues. While the steroid issue sparks much debate amongst diehard baseball fans, the vital part for Major League Baseball is how all of these changes resonate amongst casual fans and the general public.
In an era where the competition between various sports to win the fans' interest is as intense as ever, should MLB focus its attention on more serious matters? I'd say yes.
Baseball has established itself as an international game and there is evidence of some form of competitive parity. The World Baseball Classic was a great success and the days of the Yankees plowing through the competition have diminished. Unfortunately, until the lurking, overpowering black clouds hanging over MLB are dealt with, its public image will remain tarnished.
While innovations such as wireless phones may be convenient, the casual fan that is so important to the long-term success of the league might turn to his friend and ask, “Is he calling for a relief pitcher or another order of steroids?”
