American Past Prime
How Major League Baseball squandered it’s chance to thrive again
Major League Baseball (MLB) has been ingrained in American culture for well over a century, but has lost its way.
Already waning in popularity among young people, the MLB had an opportunity to be a bright light among a dim economic outlook brought on by the Covid-19 pandemic. Instead, baseball fans got a public and ugly negotiation, squashing eager fans hopes of a return to play every step of the way.
There are two main influential bodies responsible for the economic and logistical concerns regarding League collective bargaining: The MLB owners, represented by Commissioner Rob Manfred and the MLB Players Association, a player’s union led by Tony Clark.
In a world where numerous businesses have been shuttered, baseball was given a green light to move forward, with public support from health professionals such as Dr. Anthony Fauci. The stage was set for baseball to roar back to relevance as a focal point for millions of Americans desperate for a sense of normalcy. What ensued was a smear campaign, as the two groups used leaks in the media to make the other look like the bad guy, jockeying for economic leverage through public opinion. In reality, everyone lost.
Both sides have their points, but in a country where millions have lost their jobs or been furloughed, a squabble between millionaires and billionaires just doesn’t play well in the public eye. With negotiations for a new Collective Bargaining Agreement on the horizon after the 2021 season, it is clear there is anger on both sides that is far from resolved. One would think however, these issues could have been solved behind closed doors given what was at stake for the future of the sport.
As of today, baseball is set to return in late July, but only by virtue of a vague agreement back in March that many speculate will come with a grievance from the Player’s Association in the near future. Baseball is back but the battle is far from over with a work stoppage very much in the cards for the 2022 season.
For the last several years, the MLB has responded to data suggesting lack of interest among the younger generations by trying to shorten games and appease what many would say is a shorter attention span audience. They won’t lose the die-hard fans like me, but the future fan-base is in question. The League has been desperate to attract new fans, but instead let their public anger and resentment jeopardize a season even taking place.
On a broad scale, the land of opportunity is currently experiencing a dearth of opportunity. The MLB was privileged enough to be served a golden one and they squandered it.