MLB: Commissioner Rob Manfred supports new culture
MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred recently spoke about the changing culture of Major League Baseball.
Sports are supposed to be fun and MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred understands that fact.
He recently spoke about how the emotion shown by younger players in the league is something that will continue to grow as part of a new culture in baseball.
This goes directly against the comments of Goose Gossage, who called out players like Jose Bautista and Bryce Harper for showing visible enjoyment for playing the game of baseball.
Gossage was upset about Bautista’s bat flip in last year’s ALDS, but his comments were harsh and made him look like the one on the wrong side of the matter.
Rob Manfred chooses Bryce Harper, "a spokesman for this generation," over Goose Gossage in war over unwritten rules. https://t.co/HfkGnvaRP9
— 106.7 The Fan (@1067theFan) April 21, 2016
Harper has sported a hat reading “Make Baseball Fun Again” in the ongoing battle between the old guard and the new. The current generation of players hold the advantage as they are the ones who are influencing fans and making millions, while older players are remnants of a different time.
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That is not to say former players should be disrespected, but it is not fair for them to make rash comments about current players. Differences will come with each generation and this must be understood to avoid sounding like someone who can’t let go of the past.
It is great to see Manfred come out in support of today’s players, as he knows players like Harper and Bautista are faces of the game. He also knows they have caused no harm. Flipping a bat and being energetic on the field is no cause for concern, and Manfred gets that. He runs a league filled with young, talented players from many different backgrounds who have the support of people from the same diverse backgrounds.
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Manfred also knows he must stand behind his stars and do his best to promote their individual brands, as it will enhance the overall brand of Major League Baseball.
Bryce Harper want to “make baseball fun again,” and he will be doing so with the support of the commissioner.