But stats dont lie, right?
Ill be completely honest.
It was 30 seconds between hitters and 15 seconds between pitches.
The only problem was players totally ignored it, and umpires didnt enforce it.
Those were the only things the umps actually enforced and rode the players and pitching coaches on.
The batters still had all the time in the world to go through their routines.
Before that, every batter got set and stayed in the box until they made contact or struck out.
(Even though MLB told all of us production team members they only had 15 seconds.)
It was a joke.
(Sidebar- we were known at Wrigley for running the players walk up songs extremely long.
Especially compared to other ballparks.
I did this 1- as a courtesy to the Cubs players.
(Im not Jeff Lowe on the Dozen).
The players loved it.
One guy who did NOT like it however was that shit bag Angel Hernandez.
Besides being the worst umpire in baseball, he also hated music.
What a hater.)
So long story short, I had optimism this time around.
But who honestly saw this happening this quickly?
I thought hitters would have to adjust just as much as pitchers.
Averages and stolen bases are both FINALLY up.
After years and years of decline, players can hit for average again, and players can steal bases.
Baseball nerds man.)
And of course, lets not forget about the shift -
Fucking Amen!!
Im all for defensive strategy.
And not ground out to the short stop in right center.
Let the big dogs eat.
Oh yah, and the beers!
Its all coming together.
So we owe baseball a big round of applause for getting this right.
Because credit where credits due.
Even if its overdue.
My fixes to save baseball -
101 game seasons
season begins in late April or early may.
Actual spring these days.
And if you must start in May, play games in warm weather cities or parks with domes.
Miserable for fans and hurts players stats.
- end the season in October.
Like its supposed to.
Fewer regular season games allows for the longer playoffs.
No more November baseball.
- no more 9pm start times.
Doesnt matter if game times arent running 4-5 hours anymore.
Starting playoff games at 9pm eastern for tv is bullshit.
You want to grow the game back?
Start focusing on the kids.
Step 1- is allowing kids to actually be able to stay up and watch it.
- more day time games while were at.Nothing beats daytime baseball.
And offer a single ticket for a fair price.
Imagine being able to take your kids to two games at Wrigley on a Saturday or Sunday afternoon?
And be home before 9 oclock?
It would be amazing.
-have players use aluminum bats in the home run derbyand put targets on the moon.
