A RANT ABOUT MAJOR LEAGUE BASEBALL TELEVISION BROADCASTS IN THE PRESENT AGE

MLB

New rules for baseball announcers and the various television crews covering these broadcasts: Firstly, actually call the bloody games and ixnay the chit-chatting on the headsets with outfielders, managers, et al. Unnecessary distractions. Everybody does this nowadays, yet I’ve not seen any evidence to suggest any viewers derive enjoyment from it. It annoys the life out of me. Indeed, I have vented over this on these forums numerous times through the years, and not once hath a single person tried to defend the merits of this practice to me. 

Secondly, refrain from trying to inject frivolity and cheap humour into these broadcasts, which typically consists of commenting on every player’s beard or hair ad nauseam. As I type this, the guys on ESPN covering this afternoon’s Yankees preseason game are so f**king out to lunch. The annoying triviality of it all. Albeit, this is not game seven of the World Series, but such boorishness is never becoming at all. Anywhere and everywhere, at all times, this is always absolute cringe behaviour, namely trying to have fun with others’ appearance. Stop that, whoever needs to hear it! In my 46 years, I have struggled mightily to kill those things in me that are unacceptable. Obnoxiousness is not an endearing trait, but I digress.

No wonder the younger folks are gravitating towards other sports, for all of these attempts at modernizing and altering the traditional essence of this most old-fashioned and pastoral of games are transparently misguided and patronizing. The growing overall disinterest is a clear indication that these superficial changes are failing to resonate. Just present the game authentically, respectfully, and with sincerity. Perchance, by focusing on the core values of the sport, rather than futile attempts to appear 'cool,' there is a greater likelihood of attracting new fans and re-engaging those who have drifted away. Major League Baseball does not need to chase trends, and it does need to be ‘hip.’ It needs to be genuine and respect the intelligence of its audience.

Copyright 2024, Arthur Newhook. @Sunking278 and @FloydEtcetera on X, and at the same handles on FACEBOOK. MASTODON - @ArthurNewhook@mastodon.world, BLUESKY - @arthurnewhook.bsky.social, and @arthurnewhook on POST.