The question persists: “How do we fix baseball?”
Despite the countless suggested rule changes, a large and vocal camp of fans will vehemently insist that the game is fine as it is. And they could be right: the game itself doesn’t need radical changes. Instead, its marketing does.
Anyone who watches baseball can tell you, in old-fashioned anecdote, that everyone’s striking out. Currently, teams are striking out in 23 percent of their plate appearances. In April of last year, that number was 21.7 percent. In April 2016, 21.3 percent. Slowly but surely, we’re reaching a game of the Three True Outcomes—or, more accurately, Two of the Three True Outcomes. Just not the two you’d think. And the approach from the mound might tell the story.
By some combination of stubbornness, intrigue, and luck, I dropped in on the Diamondbacks’ best season start in franchise history. Spring training rumblings convinced me to buy into the NL West, and my focus immediately went to the 93-win team overshadowed by its LA rival. So far, the D-backs’ start—and the division—has been fascinating.
It’s that time again.
Ball caps and sunscreen. Lazy afternoons and nights under the lights. Box scores discreetly checked in the midst of daytime responsibilities. Bleacher seats and hot dogs. Hopes that hinge on the swing of a bat.
Pinch Hero 