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Swinging for the Fences: A Fan's Take on Revamping Baseball's Game Plan
Guest Writer Series: @EdwardFrancisJ4
Edward Francis Jameson
November 25, 2023
Welcome back to 'The Daily Tater', the go-to email that tells you what matters most in baseball with brevity, purpose, and a home run delivered daily. As part of our guest writer series, we're diving into a hot take from one of our very own readers. With the off-season chill still in the air, what better way to stay warm than firing up some good ol' baseball banter? This guest writer has got a spicy opinion on the recent changes in our beloved game and how it's being served up to us fans. So, let's knock the dirt off our cleats and dive right in!
The Change-Up: On-Field Excitement and Marketing
The recent on-field changes to baseball have been a great success. They have made the game more exciting and more offense-oriented. Growing the game is about more than producing an improved on-field product. As much as some may not like the word, marketing is an indispensable aspect of any business.
Blackout Blunders: Time for a Home Run
While there have been occasional rumors of changes to how MLB delivers its product to fans, the ways in which baseball markets itself to fans remain backward. Rob Manfred has said eliminating blackouts is “business objective number one.” That is nice talk, but we want to see that backed by action.
Announcers: The Voice of the Game
Another change baseball needs to make is to recognize the relationship between the announcers and the fans. If there is one thing on which every fanbase agrees, it is that national announcers suck. It is a major letdown when one’s team is good, to listen to the local broadcasters all season and then be forced to listen to national announcers for the playoffs and World Series. Local broadcasters are part of the team. They are how we fans interface with baseball.
No More National Announcers: Local Voices Matter
There is simply no reason for national announcers any longer. When I listen to a game that does not involve my team (on MLB.tv), I appreciate the local announcers. They are more knowledgeable about and more connected to the teams. They produce a better product.
Old Mindsets vs New Strategies: Broadcasting Evolves
Finally, owners need to get over the mindset that broadcasting the game on television competes with attending the game in person. This is an outdated mindset that originates back to the days before baseball was even broadcast on the radio. Baseball needs to think of broadcasting games the same way that bands use their recordings to promote their concerts and vice versa. Broadcasts and in-person game marketing ought to complement one another.
Focusing on the Fan: The Heart of Baseball
This, more than anything, is how baseball expands its fan base and introduces baseball to the next generation. Baseball is about the relationship between the fan and the team. If MLB wants to grow, it needs to put the focus back on the fan.
And there you have it, folks! A fan's-eye view of what's cracking in the big leagues. This piece isn't just about throwing curveballs at the suits in the offices; it's a call to arms for making our favorite pastime even better. Remember, at the heart of every game, every play, and every home run is us – the fans. We're the lifeblood of baseball, and it's time the bigwigs remember that.
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