Do Americans actually like watching baseball?

Question

or do they watch it simply because it's an 'American pastime'?

Answer 1

I enjoy watching it.

I can see why some think it's dull, but there are many subtle little cat-and -mouse games going on that the casual fan might miss that serious fans both recognize and appreciate.

In the words of Casey Stengel, "Baseball is like church. Many attend, few understand."

Answer 2

I love baseball. I grew up watching it and love it for all its complexity. It's "a thinking person's game" all about coming up with the right strategy and executing it correctly.

When people say they find pitchers' duels "boring," I wonder if they've been paying attention. There's way more to the game than power hitting. When a third baseman or shortstop can grab a ball out of thin air to get an out or a batter can hit that bloop single over the infield's head to get an inning started right - that's exciting!

Frankly, I get bored with basketball. A lot of repetitive running up and down the court, and the last few minutes nobody plays because they're too busy fouling each other.

Football is okay, but there are too many time outs and penalties. Hockey is fun, but has the same sorts of problems. And don't get me started on watching cars race around in a circle all day. I just can't excited trying to figure out who's going to refuel when.

But when things go right in baseball, it's an absolutely beautiful thing. Almost poetic, even.

Answer 3

You either love it or you hate it.

Personally, I think it very exciting - especially if you are routing for a particular team. It's just like any other sport - the more you learn about it - the more you enjoy it.

As a child I was always bored by it, but one day when I was about 10, I was watching a Yankees game on TV with my dad and I asked him what a 3 and 2 count was. This led to a lengthy discussion about the rules of baseball.

Once I could follow along - I was hooked! The Yanks won the penant that year and so it made it just that much sweeter.

I'm going to a Boston/Yankees game (at home!) in September and it will be my first EVER trip to Yankee stadium. I am so excited I can hardly wait!

So, yes! I watch it because I LOVE it!

Answer 4

I like to watch because I actually like the game. Could care less that its the nations pastime. I have my favorite team that I follow whenever I can (hometown team but don't live in that area any longer). It can be long and boring some times but if my team is winning all the better =)

Answer 5

It used to be an American pastime, its moved on to the latino and hispanic crowd now. I dont really like baseball on tv but its a cool experience to go to it in person.

Answer 6

Not only do I like watching Major League Baseball, I love it!

There is something in the comradery of the fans that make us feel like a community. It's your hometown team you root for, and it draws people together that normally wouldnt come together.

My dad told me a story of the 1967 riots in Detroit, and how the city was all tense. But in 1968 The Tigers were doing so well, it brought people together and helped heal a city.

That is something to be said for the sound of a crack of a bat, as the ball sails over the right fence, your team down by 2.

MLB brings people together to create a strong community feeling.

Answer 7

Americans love Baseball And is AMERICA'S PASTIME

Answer 8

I actually enjoy watching baseball. Baseball is my #2 favorite watching sport, tied with Soccer. My #1 is (American) Football.

Answer 9

i only watch baseball if my dad puts a guilt trip on me, but otherwise not even being an american pastime would make me want to watch it.

Answer 10

Actually, no. Most just pretend. Only a hard core of watchers actually keep track, love the history of teams and players.

Any game that lasts all day is not going to have true fans. Most go to watch at the park because of beer and hot dogs and ice creams.