As a Baseball fan, it seems clear to me that it is more fun to play a game in behalf of your country than your city. I am a Yankees hardcorp fan, however I rather see USA playing Cuba or Dominicana than the Mets playing the Giants.
Why is it that it was such a low TV RATING? The stadiums were full, I know because I were there in 5 games, but in the polls it seems as if America does not care about what baseball is really about, National pride.
Plase baseball fans, answer the question or give me your opinion on this matter.
2006-12-26 07:26:16 · 9 answers · asked by Anonymous in Sports ➔ Baseball
As a baseball fan first, I enjoyed watching this series as much as any series I've watched in baseball. The games were about National/personal pride and playing the game for the love of it. Issues of bloated contracts, clubhouse problems, drug use, etc... were non-factors.
Because I was so excited about the series, I called everyone I knew and got many excited about the game as well (some of them were not even baseball fans). The fact that they responded so well tells me that although it had low ratings (poorly marketed, available only on cable, players **out of shape**, etc..) that the potential is certainly there. It was just a matter of getting the word out and getting people interested in the games.
I will point out that it was important for me to be able to see major league players that I was familiar with. The USA, Domican Republic, Puerto Rico are three examples of teams that were loaded with major league talent.
I also enjoy the all-star game tremendously for the same reasons. The attitude for these games is about winning for pride (true spirit of the game). Though it wasn't always the case but appears to be the case these days...
If MLB does not impede the World Baseball Classic (it's always about money and control), I think it will continue to do well in the coming years.
PS: The second WBC is scheduled to take place in 2009
.
2006-12-26 10:21:55 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
The concept was excellent but it was marketed very poorly and the timing was horrible. I agree with the person who said have it after the world series but the problem with that is the possible of inclement weather. It suffers the same problem as most other minor "world championship" events, the games were played at weird times, some US stars were absent for various reasons, it is hard to get into watching a sport that you love but know nothing about any of the players playing. You can't just throw together an all-star team and be sure that they will play at a high level together. There are many examples of this in other sports, US basketball being at the top of the list. Teams need time to get ready and prepare, having the event after the playoffs would fix some of that because most players will have played a season and have the length of the post season to get used to their new teammates.
I have a feeling that over time it will become more popular, I enjoyed watching some of the games.
2006-12-26 19:29:11 · answer #2 · answered by xlx_evilcheeba_xlx 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The timing was horrible. To do it in Spring Training was a joke. In all honesty is the average fan from USA going to watch Korea play Mexico? Probably not. Bud Selig tried to make this like the soccer world cup but that is a long way off. The next time they should do it would after the world series. That way if there are any injuries they have the offseason to relax and rehab. Bobby Ayala didn't pitch for Washington this year because he got hurt during the tourney and was lost for the year.
2006-12-26 16:36:42 · answer #3 · answered by berta44 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think because it was a brand new concept. Played in the spring when players are rounding into baseball shape after a winter off. Additionally the pitchers were on pitch counts and not all players were allowed to participate. Major League teams were able to block some of their players from playing due to injury rehab.
I'd rather watch Italy vs. China in a parchesi tournament than watch the Yankees playing the Tampa Devil Rays.
2006-12-26 15:37:01 · answer #4 · answered by metsjets 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
First of all it was before the regular MLB season started and it was marketed poorly. A lot of people treated it like it was basically pre-season exhibition games.
Secondly and more importantly, the biggest news in baseball at the time was the Barry Bonds steroid "scandal". That was dominating all baseball news in America therefore a lot of people didn't even KNOW the WBC was going on.
I'm hoping the WBC will catch on and become more popular.
2006-12-26 16:35:26 · answer #5 · answered by yblur 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It was the Inaugural World Baseball Classic. It takes time for people to get used to something new.
I think it will catch on with fans and you'll see an increase in tv ratings in the years to come.
2006-12-26 15:57:07 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Because America is the best country in the world. We have nothing to lose even if we lay a goose egg. We have already proven ourselves so if we win, it's no shock and if we lose, nobody cares.
2006-12-26 23:33:18 · answer #7 · answered by drtcme 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
BASEBALL FANS SHOULD WATCH WBC.
2006-12-27 09:26:09 · answer #8 · answered by smitty 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
because the US was doing so bad.
2006-12-26 15:30:31 · answer #9 · answered by matt s. 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋