Baseball-holics anonymous

I have no idea about this game, other than that it is as confusing as cricket for the uninitiated. The only game I ever watched was in a Japanese youth hostel - lots of people shouting at a screen in a language I didn’t understand at a sport I understood even less. However, cricket has rules that include a preamble that should apply to every game and sport. If only:

  • Respect is central to the Spirit of Cricket.
  • Respect your captain, team-mates, opponents and the authority of the umpires.
  • Play hard and play fair.
  • Accept the umpire’s decision.
  • Create a positive atmosphere by your own conduct, and encourage others to do likewise.
  • Show self-discipline, even when things go against you.
  • Congratulate the opposition on their successes, and enjoy those of your own team.
  • Thank the officials and your opposition at the end of the match, whatever the result.
  • Cricket is an exciting game that encourages leadership, friendship and teamwork, which brings together people from different nationalities, cultures and religions, especially when played within the Spirit of Cricket.

Is baseball one of these games? American sports generally seem far too civilised.

I’m not aware of baseball having a formal preamble like this (could be wrong). I plead guilty to occasional violation of two rules. Accept the umpire’s decision … um, no. Not always. I’m not above a loud boo! (whistling in Europe) in protest of a terrible call. ‘Congratulate the opposition on their successes …’. Not when the cursed Cardinals are in town. Am I a bad boy for that? Ah well.

I can think of only two occasions where there has been dissent against an umpire … in my lifetime. It is expected to congratulate/commiserate with the opposition before any wild celebrations.

The strange thing here is that at soccer matches the fans from opposing teams are separated by security and police, but the same people may well go to a cricket match, where supporters of the teams all mix and have a great time together.

By law, no drinking is allowed inside a football stadium (war would ensue), but just about everyone drinks at cricket, my kids learned how to drink at cricket, a day’s cricket is 8 hours so it can be a lot of drink, the more the merrier. The only trouble I ever saw was the wives of the New Zealand team got completely hammered on Champagne and starting screaming abuse at their husbands who were trying to win a match against West Indies.

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Lol. Nothing compared to American baseball fans hammered on way overpriced, watered down beer. Not that I’ve ever done that. :slight_smile:

Heckling definitely has a place in our sports. It’s sometimes over the top, but streaking happens everywhere, so…

The pitch clock and the end of the shift will be interesting. I believe the bases will be slightly larger this year too by 2 inches. Doesn’t sound like much, but some close plays that were outs, will be hits this year.

There are major changes to the MLB schedule this year. The Athletic had a long and excellent article last week explaining all the details and nuances of the 2023 schedule. It was a lot to wrap your head around and the impact it will have on teams. Divisional games have been cut from 19 to 12. For the first time ever during a season, every MLB team will play all opposing 29 teams during the year for a minimum of 2 games. Making up rainouts is likely going to be a nightmare with all the additional travel for most teams. Seeking out the article will help with all the other details.

I like this idea…probably the only change I can get my purist head around enough to unequivocally support…

@McRican that’s a nice model.

A headline/teaser from an article that captures my sentiments about most, if not all, of the monkeying around to a “T”:

I’m not into football in any way shape or form but I tried to watch a few segments yesterday and it just seemed like a visual assault of commercialism. Pro sports is about making money but this seemed extreme.

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Didn’t follow closely, but wasn’t the MLB Players Association in favor of this rule change?

Dunno…not that I am aware of…

Most of my reading has indicated a desire to shorten the average game time.

To which I rhetorically reply, if I want to watch a timed professional sport that has absolutely none of the “character” of a Baseball game, I can watch Football, Basketball, Hockey…

To each his own…

Cheers.

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College baseball is probably closest to these expectations, maybe college sports in general. I’m sure to miss more than one other example, but the only major professional sport played in the US I’m aware of where teams bury the hatchet after the match is ice hockey. Some of that goes on with US rules football but not in any organized way.
Rules don’t apply to fans but they aren’t prone to rioting so the law hasn’t come down on them yet.

Screenshot 2023-02-15 at 6.33.37 PM

Old and new bases. Runners who are quick down the 1st base line should have a slight advantage with the larger base.

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Hey, maybe one of the unintended consequences will be more attempts to beat the throw by (slowing down and) diving into first base b/c that base looks so much more enticing now.

I can see it now…a rash of jammed fingers and spiked hands.

:wink:

So will the slow ones.

To correct a couple of points I made the other day. With the new balanced schedule teams will their own division 13 times each as opposed to 19 times.

New bases are actually three inches bigger. Old bases were 15" x 15" and the new bases are 18" x 18".

Watching my first spring training game: pitch clock and other new rules are going to be a huge success imho of-course.

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Everyone feeling that itch to get back to the ballpark? I can barely sit still in anticipation.

How about this for a teaser, top Cubbies prospect Pete Crow-Armstrong putting on a show in the friendly against the Rangers:

Chicago Cubs on Twitter: “Pete Crow-ARMYOUKIDDINGME? https://t.co/pevbYzAg0T” / Twitter

Highlight reel stuff. Wow.

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Think he will be on the opening day roster…?

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