Baseball

Speaking of sports, let's examine the baseball season. Last week I looked at football, at least the part I care about. In baseball, there really isn't much I care about. My Reds are 24 games out of the lead and with a handful of games left, its mathematically impossible for us to get into the playoffs. We were actually mathematically eliminated about mid-May. Also my hopes for baseball to come to its senses and reinstate Pete Rose, is looking increasingly unlikely.

What do I have to look forward to then? Apparently, like the rest of America, not much. I hear attendance and viewership is way down this year. Why is that? I'm not sure. Here are some theories:

• I like to blame a lot on the steroid era. But seriously, it fits here. It used to be interesting to see if anyone could break the home run record for home runs in a season. But it won't happen. The record used to be 61. Now its 73 or so. This year will end up at well under 50. Not even close. Its like trying to set a record in the 100 meter dash knowing that cars used to be legal to use in the 100 meter dash.
• Baseball is pretty dull. Think of the most exciting moments in the other sports. In baseball the most excitement the home run. That is when the ball goes over the fence and out of play and then a guy slowly trots around the diamond. And that is considered the most exciting thing that happens in baseball.
• Everything was decided a long time ago. Some years that happens. This is one of those years. Most every division had teams that got a big lead and just coasted to the finish line.
• The Miami Marlins suck. At least attendance-wise. They aren't the worst team in baseball. You would think they wouldn't have the worst attendance. But they do. Historically bad. They've had games in which they've drawn 5,000 fans. That may sound like a lot of people, but placed in a stadium that seats 60,000 or so, is pretty sparse. I think they could move to Portland so I could see their games. They won't, but Portland wouldn't do any worse. 

Well, I haven't really talked about baseball like I was going to. Let me just say I'm pulling for the Cleveland Indians. They haven't won in forever, so its time. Plus I like the political incorrectness of their logo. Plus if that wasn't political incorrect enough - his name is "Chief Wahoo".