Baseball, America's favorite pastime and one of the only games that has truly stuck to it's origins. Unlike the NFL or the NBA, baseball hasn't added a two point conversion, three point line, or media time outs that alter the length and flow of the game. MLB still uses wooden bats, simple leather gloves, a 60'6" distance to the mound, and a methodical game.
This weekend my dad dropped the bomb on me: MLB on 8/20/08 announced that the implementation of the instant-replay will begin before the end of this season. Luckily, they are restricting this second-look to three types of controversial home run calls: fair/foul, clearing the fence, and fan interference. Why would you take the fun out of giving a scowl to a fan that thinks they're Willie Mays?
The MLB has now joined the band-wagon and is the last of the four major North American professionals sports to let technology mess with their game. In the article the PR senior vice president's only quote was about how all the stadiums hadn't been finished. Is that all he has to say for himself? I need some expansion!
Why would they do this? Are they going to start using metal bats like the colleges do and let a bunt amount to a home run? I thought it was a good idea to put mics on players that would allow them, put cameras in front of home plate so fans can get a different look, or even the programs they have to break down a swing and explain every element. But none of that messed with the game. In sports marketing we discussed that "changes to the core product" should only be made to help the competition or help the players and excite the fans. Who is excited about this? What true hardballer thinks that it's ok to not wan to get in the umps face and scream or try and point out the ball mark on a padded wall?
Instead of charging the mound, or having a bench clear, I hope players come with spray cans and cover the lenses. Also, ironic how the headquaters for these replays are in Chelsea (Manhattan)... is this a personal stab?
No comments:
Post a Comment