I realize it’s all about marketing and the dollars. To hell with tradition. Let’s open an American sport’s season in a foreign country (eyes rolling).
The season should start in Cincinnati or Cooperstown (might be too cold in upstate NY). Even though the Field of Dreams is contrived from a movie it would be a better opening day than a foreign country.
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I agree. They have their own professional leagues, after all.
Toronto Blue Jays is in a MLB team.
MLB has studied 2 cities in Japan for possible expansion cities. The current games in South Korea are a "test" for player's ability to adjust to the "time changes" and cultural differences.
Japan HS Baseball National Tournament is watched by 20 million each year.
Since 1984, our American "Area Code" teams have traveled 21 trips to Australia, South Korea, China and Japan.
Bob
I got up early this morning to watch the game. I believe that baseball has become more of an international sport.
It's not exclusive to the USA anymore.
Take a look at the viewership #s for the World Baseball Classic.
Bob, good observation about Toronto!
JMO
If it makes you feel any better, @RJM, I think the Dodgers have their hands full this morning!
@RHP_Parent posted:If it makes you feel any better, @RJM, I think the Dodgers have their hands full this morning!
Wanna bet?
Shohei Owemoni
@Consultant posted:Toronto Blue Jays is in a MLB team.
MLB has studied 2 cities in Japan for possible expansion cities. The current games in South Korea are a "test" for player's ability to adjust to the "time changes" and cultural differences.
Japan HS Baseball National Tournament is watched by 20 million each year.
Since 1984, our American "Area Code" teams have traveled 21 trips to Australia, South Korea, China and Japan.
Bob
Ok, North American team. But tradition, not marketing dictates the season should open in Cincinnati. It sucks to see traditions tossed aside. Maybe someday 4th of July will be in August for convenience and marketing.
As for the Dodgers I was an indifferent fan when I lived in LA. I attended games. I went to more Angels games. Lynn and Burleson were traded to then Angels. I was aways a Red Sox fan.
I recorded the game yesterday. I couldn’t stand it anymore after three innings. I didn’t like the constant, contrived, cheerleading noise.
@TPM posted:I got up early this morning to watch the game. I believe that baseball has become more of an international sport.
It's not exclusive to the USA anymore.
Take a look at the viewership #s for the World Baseball Classic.
Bob, good observation about Toronto!
JMO
Agree with the bolded above. It is great to see a game we all love played against international teams and grow the game. Baseball has its challenges with the NFL, NBA, and other sports for viewership and mindshare. Growing it worldwide should be a priority.
However, I think MLB should open in the US/Canada. Proposal.....Invite foreign teams to participate in Spring training before the MLB season starts, and broadcast those games back to the visiting country. This solves the logistical problem for MLB teams as it is almost impossible to go to Asia, South America or Europe given how busy the regular season MLB schedule is, and many games can be played versus just one. JMO.
O.k., sure - international sport, so the WBC should not necessarily be held in the US.
But the start of the US MLB season should be in the US.
Fenwaysouth, that is an excellent suggestion. Grow the game! It is really no different than the barnstorming that used to go on back in the day, only now it doesn't have to be a road show because of streaming. Having the international teams go to the mlb spring training facilities solves alot of logistical issues.
I think we graybeards are the only ones who might care and we're slowly being shown the door. I like the suggestion to invite the international teams here. I understand the need but it's a little weird to me that the these teams have a week between league games.
Baseball is not America's pastime anymore and I think that this was an poor attempt at trying to grow the game.
This is a tough time of year for MLB, as mentioned a lot going on, plus poor weather. In many places, MLB has to compete against the college game, which is much more affordable.
As far as beginning the season in Canada, Canadians aren't really big on baseball and the weather might be a factor.
Interesting to note here in Florida football, soccer and basketball are standing room only while the Marlins and Rays baseball stadiums are always empty, unless the Mets are playing..lol.
I think that this is why college ball is so popular, you get much more bang for your buck.
JMO
TPM and Smoke;
It would be interesting to the Dodgers and Padres share of the TV and Gate revenues. My estimate for travel costs, hotel, airfare is over $2.8 million for a 400 travel group, including MLB officials, Dodgers and Padres team and family's.
* the Korea Pro team - Samsung Tigers trained in Hawaii for a few years.
Bob
@TPM posted:Baseball is not America's pastime anymore and I think that this was an poor attempt at trying to grow the game.
This is a tough time of year for MLB, as mentioned a lot going on, plus poor weather. In many places, MLB has to compete against the college game, which is much more affordable.
As far as beginning the season in Canada, Canadians aren't really big on baseball and the weather might be a factor.
Interesting to note here in Florida football, soccer and basketball are standing room only while the Marlins and Rays baseball stadiums are always empty, unless the Mets are playing..lol.
I think that this is why college ball is so popular, you get much more bang for your buck.
JMO
There are many parts of the country college baseball is free and less than 300 people attend.
The Jays play in a dome.
FWIW, MLB opening day in North America is the 28th.
@Consultant posted:TPM and Smoke;
It would be interesting to the Dodgers and Padres share of the TV and Gate revenues. My estimate for travel costs, hotel, airfare is over $2.8 million for a 400 travel group, including MLB officials, Dodgers and Padres team and family's.
* the Korea Pro team - Samsung Tigers trained in Hawaii for a few years.
Bob
I took my kids to some of the Samsung (Lions?) workouts. Amazing how small the fields looked with all those grown-ass men on them. They are usually used for HS games, but with typical 320 ft fences in the corners and 400 ft dead center. Cyclone fencing all around, and two very small sets of bleachers. Didn't take many people to reach standing room only.
I use simple logic---if bitter old men like RJM are against it, it must be a good idea.
What's sad (and to some amusing) is that MLB was apparently trying to grow interest outside of US and they ended up with their biggest star in the news.
Speaking of an American sport and a foreign country...when is the board going to talk about the elephant in the room?
i delayed sending above watching the end of these 2 barnburner basketball games! The Ivy and the soon to be gone but not forgotten Pac 10/12 coming up with big wins against the SEC!
@used2lurk posted:i delayed sending above watching the end of these 2 barnburner basketball games! The Ivy and the soon to be gone but not forgotten Pac 10/12 coming up with big wins against the SEC!
Not a good look for the Gators or the SEC.
Basketball, what's that?
I do have a bracket, but there's too much baseball to follow!
What would also annoy me if the Sox weren’t going to be so bad is their first three games start at 10:10 pm. I won’t be watching. If teams open on the West Coast opening day should start later than 4pm Pacific time.,
