Baseball

Why baseball’s MVP Award shouldn’t be the most presigious

The great debate to close out the 2012 MLB regular season has been the battle between Detroit’s Miguel Cabrera and Anaheim’s Mike Trout for the AL MVP Award. However, baseball award voters seem to gloss over the fact that the Hank Aaron Award, given to each league’s best hitter, may be more presigious overall. Jesse Goldberg-Strassler makes his case.

Baseball

Calling the shots

There’s nothing more grand in baseball than a home run, which is why the art of the “home run call” for baseball broadcasters is a point of creativity, spontananeity and, sometimes, pride. How the broadcaster describes the big fly ball remains ingrained in our memories, and each subsequent homer adds to the lore, which forces each broadcaster to be unique in the way he or she immortalizes the call.

Baseball

The human factor: Why shutting down Strasburg works

The Washington Nationals’ decision to shut down Stephen Strasburg has been highly criticized in the national sports media, yet it’s a decision made with Strasburg’s long-term health in mind, not a short-term chance to win. It’s a reminder that too often, we look for something to get angry about rather than look for the humanity in a choice.

Baseball

The benefit of signing Clemens for the Sugar Land Skeeters

Had Roger Clemens not signed with them earlier this week, you likely wouldn’t know who the Sugar Land Skeeters are. Instead, this Saturday night, they may well steal headlines from MLB games when the Rocket takes off as a 50-year-old. Amidst the wild speculation as to Clemens’ motives, it’s also fair to wonder what’s in it for the Skeeters.

Baseball

Evaluating baseball’s stance on chewing tobacco

Baseball’s war against chewing tobacco is making headlines at the Major League level, but in the Minors, things are a lot more cut-and-dry. MiLB players are not allowed to possess chewing tobacco either on the field or even during club travel. They may believe it’s a “gross habit,” but what gives the leagues the right to say that players – largely adults – cannot possess it away from the eyes of fans?

Baseball

Celebrating the career of the “Chipper” one

Chipper Jones has long been celebrated as one of the best Atlanta Braves in franchise history. Having played in his final All-Star Game this past Tuesday, Jones’ career is clearly coming to a close, and it’s one that has been plenty successful, even if he’s not as iconic as some of the game’s top stars.

Baseball

Making it count: Re-inventing the MLB All-Star Game

Many think of the MLB All-Star Game as the premier showcase of top-level talent among the major sports. However, it’s not without its flaws. From a lack of variety in skills competitions to the often uninspiring finish to the game itself, baseball could do a world of good to make the entire break more exciting for fans – and it wouldn’t even require too many changes.

Baseball

The three most despised groups of fans (and why your team needs them)

You may not like the drunk guy shouting things from behind you, or the girl wearing pink team merchandise even though she doesn’t know who to cheer for, but it’s these fans that are crucial to the success of the game. They are fans who support your team in ways you never can, but that’s because image matters more than love. The good part is that their money is as good as anyone’s…

Baseball

MLB castles fit for their kings

Think about your home team’s stadium. Is it state-of-the-art? When was the last time it was updated? These kinds of costs outrage fans when they find out the money to build these luxuries is coming out of their pockets, but are fine with the idea that some players can make similar millions – to the point where some are worth more than the palaces they play baseball in.

Baseball

Breaking down the REAL Tampa Bay Rays

The Tampa Bay Rays have been far more successful lately than most thought possible, considering their extended history. However, they’ve done it for a lot of reasons contrary to those you hear talked about. Jesse Goldberg-Strassler debunks the myths and presents the facts that truly make up the, *ahem*, American League powerhouse.