The invention of most sports was to achieve a simple goal: to score more points than the other team. These games have evolved into complex strategies orchestrated by people who almost seem superhuman with their abilities, and have entertained a mass audience for over 100 years.
With certain rule changes around college and professional sports, especially in sports like football and baseball, fans and players are starting to see a difference in how these games are being played. The MLB is looking to make the game more fast-paced. The NFL and college football is attempting to make the game safer by suspending or fining players for violent hits. These changes are altering the games in a controversial way. Are these changes doing these sports justice?
Baseball is having the biggest change in rules and culture. Over the years, the MLB has seen their attendance and TV viewers decline. According to USA Today, the MLB saw their attendance drop by 4%. The MLB believes that the pacing of the game might have something to do with it.
The MLB is attempting to implement certain rules that could speed up the game. A few rules, that have already been established are limited mound visits per game and no pitches on intentional walks. Another rule that has been experimented in the minor leagues is starting a runner on second in extra-inning games
There are mixed emotions about these changes. Some believe the MLB is going to ruin the game of baseball because the slow pace is what many are used to. Others think the tweaks would be understandable. North Central Head Baseball Coach, Ed Mathey says that the pure power of the players will still keep the game long.
“You have hitters that are going to swing and miss more. You have hitters that are more concerned about the home runs so they are not going to attack hitters the way they used to. This leads to more pitches per at-bat which is leading to longer games,” said Mathey
Home runs are a part of the culture change that is happening in the MLB. In the past few years, home run totals have exploded in the MLB. There have been over six thousand home runs in the 2019 regular season.
“I won’t be surprised if the next rule change is if you hit a home run, you just walk back to the dugout,” said Mathey.
This home run spike is because players are becoming stronger and more athletic than ever before. The best athletes are now gaining interest in baseball because they provide some of the biggest paychecks in pro sports. Just this past March, Angels outfielder Mike Trout signed a $430 million dollar contract, which is the highest contract in the history of professional sports.
Another culture change is the flashiness and cocky attitudes from players. Baseball has always been known as a game of respect. There are plenty of unwritten rules that demand a form of etiquette, but that has started to change. Players get hype in big moments of the game, bat flip and stare down pitchers after home runs. The MLB has embraced these changes. The league launched the “Let The Kids Play” campaign that supports the new flare and intensity the players bring.
“I think it is just a part of what is going on everywhere with the money and endorsements. The more camera shots you get on yourself, the better you can promote your brand, and each player is promoting their brand,” said Mathey.
Football has also seen significant changes. These changes involve hitting restrictions. Helmet-to-helmet hits can result in an immediate ejection. The quarterback is well protected now, as pretty much any violent hit before or after they release the ball will result in a roughing the passer penalty.
The players in the league are not happy about the changes. They think it certainly takes away from the game.
Arizona Cardinals safety DJ Swearinger expressed his disgust in a tweet, he said this isn’t football and the game is being destroyed every day.
Suspensions are also more frequent in the NFL as well. This includes punishments for hits and off-field activities. NFL wide receiver Josh Gordon was suspended for two seasons because of testing positive for marijuana. The most recent suspension for a dirty hit was on Oakland Raiders linebacker, Vontaze Burfict. Burfict has been suspended for the remainder of the 2019-2020 season for a helmet-to-helmet hit. Burfict is also a repeat offender as he has racked up over $1 million in fines over the years.
“(Burfict) has been suspended many times for the same offense, he still comes in with the top of his helmet and he just doesn’t get it. So, at what point does that punishment fit your actions,” said North Central Athletic Director Jim Miller.
In football, especially in the NFL, suspensions are often controversial because there are times when they are too lenient and other times they are too harsh. In the end, they represent a team and an organization that’s actions do not go unnoticed. Miller discusses how athletes’ behavior is important on and off the field.
“As an athlete, you are held to certain expectations and standards. You may want the limelight, but you still have to carry yourself a certain way, and we always expect that,” said Miller.
Football and baseball are some of the most popular sports in America and many do not like to see changes to a game they have grown to love over the years. Leagues will always seek to gain more revenue in any way, but they will also work to keep players safe and disciplined as well.
