Over the years many people have argued what sport is vital to American culture. Basketball has become its own league of “superteams,” soccer has always been more popular within the European countries, hockey is one of the up-and-coming sports in America, and of course, football, which we all know is huge once the NFL season rolls around. That leaves baseball, or America’s national pastime. Ever since its founding in 1903, Major League Baseball has always been revered, and regarded as the sport of our country. There’s just something about that freshly clipped grass, orange, gritty dirt diamond that excites people. The game of baseball is one of few sports that is considered slower when compared to others. As a result, the MLB has added numerous rule changes to try and accommodate fans’ wants from the game.
Prior to the start of the 2017 MLB season, several rule changes were implemented to attempt to modify the length of games and enhance calls on the field. For example, some of the newest additions include the no-pitch intentional walk. Rather than throw four intentional balls, the manager in the dugout can simply signal if he wants a player to be sent to first base, no pitches needed. Additionally, a manager will have thirty seconds to decide whether or not to challenge a call on the field. These, along with a few more, are the newest rules to the game of baseball. So, with all these add-ons, America’s national pastime seems more and more distant. Gone are the days of controversial calls, now, everything is seen by everyone. What’s next for our pastime?
Several players have taken to social media regarding these new alterations. Kansas City Royals’ Brandon Moss had some choice words. He states, “I’m just very glad I will not be playing this game in 10 years. It won’t be recognizable.” Moss spoke on the incoming rule changes prior to the 2017 season. It’s obvious the players feel that these new rule changes are changing the face of the game. Too many people are concerned with the pace of baseball. Some say it’s too slow, while others believe the game should remain as it has for the past century. Baseball is a historic game, and rightfully so. Baseball players have accomplished major feats. From the seven-time Cy Young winner, Roger Clemens, to the tarnished yet respectable career of Pete Rose, history has rewritten itself over and over through the sport.
Baseball in itself holds a special place in American history. The Fall Classic, The World Series, was postponed in 2001 due to the September 11th attacks. George W. Bush found himself in Yankee Stadium during game three of the 2001 World Series. Despite the state of the country and recent events, the President took the time and risk throwing out the first pitch. I remember watching the game live on my parents’ television. I’ve never heard a louder crowd. Even then, after all the heartbreak, tragedy, and sorrow, America found time for baseball. Together, we rallied around our national pastime, and for one night we focused on something other than grief.
Baseball is unique in that it’s a much slower pace than many other sports the world is accustomed to; however, that doesn’t mean we should change it. Personally, if you can’t put up with the pace of the game, then simply, don’t watch it. Some of sports’ greatest moments have happened over the course of baseball’s existence. American culture is rooted deep within each and every ballpark across the continent. Everyone loves a good baseball diamond. Players themselves even express dissatisfaction with these new modifications to gameplay. So, Commissioner Manfred, I leave you with this: if you continue to alter baseball, you are altering America.