If you want me to watch the game, then play it the way it used to be played.
Watching American League (AL) baseball games isn’t the same anymore. I used to tune in all the time and– unlike critics who say that baseball is boring–I always enjoyed the time I spent on the game.
But the game has changed. And, to me, it hasn’t changed for the better. How so? Here are seven facets of the game that I recall fondly. ‘Recall’ … as in gone from the game.
#1 The lost art of bunting (AKA “small ball”). There are no outs with runners on first and second base. When I grew up, that situation SCREAMED for a bunt! But it rarely happens today (unless it’s a National League (NL) game). For one thing, it seems as though most AL hitters don’t know how to bunt. Even if they do, the emphasis is on swinging away–usually for the home run porch. That approach leads to more strikeouts, double plays, and runners being stranded on base.
#2 Situational hitting/Productive approach. Here’s an example. If a pitcher is wild and just walked a batter on four pitches, why then does the very next batter swing at the first pitch? Many players don’t seem to acknowledge the value of a walk. IT GETS THEM ON BASE! As the late legendary Chicago Cubs announcer Harry Caray used to say, ”What’s wrong with taking a few pitches and maybe a walk?”
#3 Keeping balls in play. Does it really matter when a little dirt or scuff marks are on the ball? It never was a problem before. Today, though, it seems like every pitched ball that hits dirt is thrown out-of-play.
#4 Complete games by starting pitchers. It used to be a staple of the game! Now it’s a rarity. Today’s game has become specialized with short relief, long relief, and closers. And it slows down the game.
#5 Hitters choking up on the bat to make contact. The ‘long ball’ is king. But what gets lost is the value of getting on base. Today’s hitters prefer to go for the fences than get a single, double, or get on base by an error.
#6 Colorful managers. I remember when managers, like Earl Weaver and Lou Pinella, entertained everyone by arguing calls, kicking dirt on home plate, or tossing their baseball caps around the field. Such personalities are rare in baseball these days. Instead, we have managers with laptops using analytics.
#7 Umpire’s calls were final. Goor or bad, right or wrong, there wasn’t video replay back then. Yes, I know, some people champion VR. I do not. If baseball has a problem with umps, then hire better umps.
For its part, MLB has instituted changes in the game, mostly in an attempt to speed up the game. In 2019, one change involves reducing the number of trips to the pitcher’s mound–from six to five.
MLB executives believe that a change like that is helpful, and promise that more changes are on the way. What’s their game, though? For starters, I think they want baseball to align better with today’s faster-paced times. But I think they’re really after bigger crowds, more revenue, and higher TV ratings.
That’s all well and good.
But for me, I’d rather see an old-fashioned pitcher’s duel, smart baseball strategy, and crafty managerial maneuvers. Am I a purist? Old fashioned? Behind the times?
Well, perhaps I’m one, two, or all three. But I’ll tell you this: if you want me to watch the game, then play it the way it used to be played. I’m nostalgic for baseball the way it was.
How about you?
