Hello readers. It was time to consult the know-all and tell-all oracle of the ages, ChatGPT, for ways to improve the game.
“There are a few ways that Major League Baseball (MLB) could potentially improve the game in order to attract more fans and increase revenue. Some potential ideas include:
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Shortening games: MLB games can be quite long, and this can be a turn-off for some fans. Shortening games could make them more appealing to a wider audience.
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Improving pace of play: MLB has taken some steps to speed up the pace of play, such as implementing a pitch clock, but more can be done to keep the game moving along.
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Increasing scoring: Some fans find baseball to be a low-scoring sport, which can make it less exciting to watch. Increasing scoring could make the game more exciting for viewers.
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Investing in technology: MLB could invest in technology such as virtual reality and streaming to enhance the fan experience and make it more accessible to a wider audience.
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Promoting young players: MLB could promote young, up-and-coming players to help attract a younger audience to the game.
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Improving fan experience: MLB could invest in improving the fan experience at ballparks, such as adding more food and drink options, and improving WiFi and cellular service.
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Increase diversity: MLB could work on increasing the diversity of the game, both in terms of the players and management, to better represent the communities it serves.
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Promotion of the game around the world: MLB could expand the game around the world by creating partnerships with teams in other countries, and promoting the sport in those countries to attract new fans.”
ChatGPT is spot on in its ideas for improvement. I think numbers 1 and 2 may be dealt with. We will see when the new season opens. I would LOVE to see #3 happen. How to make that happen is the one million dollar question! Strike an anti-three true outcomes (walk, strikeout, home run) committee for starters!
I feel like MLB is doing well with #4. The fifth point is a big old mess. No sport does a worse job of self-promotion than MLB. You have two generational talents just on the Angels team (Trout and Otani) and very few non-baseball fans even know their names! But even basketball haters like me know who Lebron James is.
As far as point number 6, I feel like the fan experience at the park is fine. The problem is that so many fans are priced out of the ballpark. Also, we need LOTS more day games. Number 7 is self-evident and a topic that baseball writers talk about endlessly. I think that MLB has lots of diversity, just not from American-born players. The nature of MLB’s minor leagues sends most players to low paying minor leagues for at least a couple of years. Basketball and football players can cash in much sooner.
As for the final point, MLB is doing very well on the international front.
Today’s classic rock song is “Paranoid” by Black Sabbath.