DON’T GET ME STARTED has me laughing as baseball tries to get viewers to tune in to the meaningless All-Starr game played this year. It won’t work.
I wonder how the tune in will be when the game is played. Frankly, the All Star has lost the luster it once had. Part of the blame, and problem, is that baseball increased games between the two leagues. So those American League cities get to see the players in the other league. Television has also made it possible for the millions of fans to see the stars in the other league.
But inter-league play, to me, has hurt the all-star game. Also, why in the world does baseball increase the roster size to 34 is beyond me. All that does is have the managers shuffling in one player after the other, hoping that he can insert everyone on the squad into the game. Why, also, must every team be represented since a mediocre player might take the place of one who is deserving.
When the All-Star game was first played in 1933 the National League featured 17 players, the American League 13. From 1935 through 1946, managers selected the entire team for each league. 1958 through 1969, managers, players and coaches made all the selections. In 1970, it was turned over to the fans and here’s the problem. One fan can keep voting and voting and voting. Internet comes into play. And, of course, cities like New York, Los Angels, Chicago, Philadelphia will be pouring out more votes. Frankly speaking – take the fans out of voting for “all-stars.” Use middle of June statistics to get the starting lineups and have the managers make out the rest of the list. Show no favoritism.
The players? Those with incentive bonuses in their contracts get to pocket some loot if they’re in the game. Others beg off the game since they’ll get a mid-season vacation.
The only incentive for a team to win is hosting the World Series 7th game, if it goes that far. What a ridiculous stroke that was. When there was no inter-league play; when the all-stars went all out to win the game, it made it exciting. As mentioned before, in the 1950 All-Star game at Forbes field, Ralph Kiner, in the first inning, lashed a drive to left field. Ted Williams running at full speed made the catch – crashed into the wall and broke his elbow. HE STAYED IN THE GAME FOR 9 INNINGS WITH THAT BROKEN ELBOW AND WENT 2 FOR 4 ON THE NIGHT. He wanted his league to win that game and gave it his all.
Today? It’s enough. I still can’t wait to see how the ratings feel for this meaningless attempt to get attention to the game. Frankly, it’s not a game – it’s an exhibition not worth watching on Don’t Get Me Started.
Filed under: Don't Get Me Started
Tagged with: major league baseball all-star game
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