Call to the pen
Fansided

MLB: America’s past time is thriving, or is it?

By Neil Harrington

BATH, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 13: In this photo illustration, a stack of £1 coins is seen with the new £10 note alongside euro notes and US dollar bills on October 13, 2017 in Bath, England. Currency experts have warned that as the uncertainty surrounding Brexit continues, the value of the British pound, which has remained depressed against the US dollar and the euro since the UK voted to leave in the EU referendum, is likely to fluctuate. (Photo Illustration by Matt Cardy/Getty Images)
BATH, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 13: In this photo illustration, a stack of £1 coins is seen with the new £10 note alongside euro notes and US dollar bills on October 13, 2017 in Bath, England. Currency experts have warned that as the uncertainty surrounding Brexit continues, the value of the British pound, which has remained depressed against the US dollar and the euro since the UK voted to leave in the EU referendum, is likely to fluctuate. (Photo Illustration by Matt Cardy/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit

The rise of the MLB continues, setting the record for both home runs and revenue. But, is the game truly in good shape?

Since 2015, home runs have not been the only thing skyrocketing in the MLB, with revenue increasing more than $500 million the past two seasons.

The rise in earnings is no fluke, with this increase happening 15 straight seasons now. What’s the reason for this continued trend of revenue boosts? Some say the increase in long balls, while others believe that the exhilarating postseason play is the critical factor.

Under commissioner Rob Manfred, the league has created what is called “One Baseball” by which digital, sponsorships, television, and others cross-pollinate to allow partners to promote across the platforms.

However, there may be much more to it than just exciting baseball.

The MLB reaps the rewards of this new “realignment of the various business arms of the league.”

MLB commissioner Rob Manfred spawned what is known now as “One Baseball” by which “digital, sponsorships, television, and others cross-pollinate to allow partners to promote across the platforms.”

Assisting with this success, the MLB sold their majority share with Disney for a cool $2.58 billion, while wisely maintaining 15% of those shares. That is what you call a classic win-win (win). Wait, there is more. TV copyrights and deals may be the ultimate factor, especially with the flourishing regional sports networks for each of the MLB teams.

I’m sure that an increase in outrageous prices at MLB concessions stands doesn’t hurt either, with a family paying an arm and a leg to attend an MLB event.

I’m all about capitalism and people making some of that fine green, but at the same time, share the wealth. Plus, revenue success doesn’t always equate to success on the field.

More from Call to the Pen

So, with all of this money rolling into the pockets of MLB executives, owners, GM’s, etc.; we can only hope they use this money to do good.

By good, I mean make the overall experience of an MLB game affordable and fun for us fans.

Higher quality food products at reasonable costs would be an excellent start. I don’t remember how times I’ve bitten into stale, distasteful nachos.

Or, spend $8 on a hot dog that is the size of my pinky. MLB, you need to do better.

All of the empty seats at many ballparks speaks of this glaring problem, with high ticket prices contributing to the problem as well. The MLB games themselves need to pick up, with a nine-inning game dragging on for hours and hours, with most of the issue being the dead time between each pitch. Speed it up and spice it up, MLB.

Next: Free Agency 2017-18: Biggest Holes for Every Team

In closing, these reports of MLB and the growing sport are true, from a certain point of view. With much to work on, the game could be at an even higher level than it is now, more so with the fan experience. Money in the pockets of already wealthy billionaires isn’t the true definition of success in my book.

Home/MLB News