[Mick]

Well, we like triples too...and stolen bases.  Here's the difference between the N.L. today and 40 years ago:

Statistic                  2020        1980
HRs/game                   1.29        0.64
Runs/game                  4.71        4.03
Walks/game                 3.43        3.07
Strikeouts/game            8.55        5.06
Batting Avg                .246        .259
On Base Pctg               .325        .320
OPS                        .746        .695

https://www.baseball-reference.com/leagues/NL/bat.shtml

[Mick]

Well, we like triples too...and stolen bases.  Here's the difference between the N.L. today and 40 years ago:

Statistic                  2020        1980
HRs/game                   1.29        0.64
Runs/game                  4.71        4.03
Walks/game                 3.43        3.07
Strikeouts/game            8.55        5.06
Batting Avg                .246        .259
On Base Pctg               .325        .320
OPS                        .746        .695

https://www.baseball-reference.com/leagues/NL/bat.shtml

[BostonCard]

The bottom line is that among major sports, baseball (and hockey, which has always struggled) has the biggest challenges going forward.

https://morningconsult.com/2020/09/28/ge...ts-fandom/



While 50% of all adults are avid or casual MLB fans, only 32% of Gen Z is, by far the biggest drop-off between adult fans and Gen Z fans.  In fact, most major sports leagues will see a drop-off in interest, with the exception of the NBA and eSports.

I can identify; it's been years since I've watched a baseball game, and decades since I've watched one on TV, and growing up, I followed baseball  most closely (it helped that it was the only major sport available on TV in Venezuela, where i grew up).

BC

[BostonCard]

The bottom line is that among major sports, baseball (and hockey, which has always struggled) has the biggest challenges going forward.

https://morningconsult.com/2020/09/28/ge...ts-fandom/



While 50% of all adults are avid or casual MLB fans, only 32% of Gen Z is, by far the biggest drop-off between adult fans and Gen Z fans.  In fact, most major sports leagues will see a drop-off in interest, with the exception of the NBA and eSports.

I can identify; it's been years since I've watched a baseball game, and decades since I've watched one on TV, and growing up, I followed baseball  most closely (it helped that it was the only major sport available on TV in Venezuela, where i grew up).

BC

[magnus]

Well, we like triples too...and stolen bases.  Here's the difference between the N.L. today and 40 years ago:

Statistic                  2020        1980
HRs/game                   1.29        0.64
Runs/game                  4.71        4.03
Walks/game                 3.43        3.07
Strikeouts/game            8.55        5.06
Batting Avg                .246        .259
On Base Pctg               .325        .320
OPS                        .746        .695

https://www.baseball-reference.com/leagues/NL/bat.shtml

Maybe this is part of the point you were making, but 2020 was a big change for the NL...changing from pitchers hitting to designated hitters. 
Then again, if you had used 2019, the contrast would have been even greater as it appears 2020 was a down hitting year compared to 2019.

[magnus]

Well, we like triples too...and stolen bases.  Here's the difference between the N.L. today and 40 years ago:

Statistic                  2020        1980
HRs/game                   1.29        0.64
Runs/game                  4.71        4.03
Walks/game                 3.43        3.07
Strikeouts/game            8.55        5.06
Batting Avg                .246        .259
On Base Pctg               .325        .320
OPS                        .746        .695

https://www.baseball-reference.com/leagues/NL/bat.shtml

Maybe this is part of the point you were making, but 2020 was a big change for the NL...changing from pitchers hitting to designated hitters. 
Then again, if you had used 2019, the contrast would have been even greater as it appears 2020 was a down hitting year compared to 2019.

[Mick]

Here's the difference between the N.L. today in 2020, 2019 and 40 years ago:

Statistic                  2020        2019      1980
HRs/game                   1.29        1.36      0.64
Runs/game                  4.71        4.78      4.03
Walks/game                 3.43        3.28      3.07
Strikeouts/game            8.55        8.81      5.06
Batting Avg                .246        .251      .259
On Base Pctg               .325        .323      .320
OPS                        .746        .753      .695

https://www.baseball-reference.com/leagues/NL/bat.shtml

[Mick]

Here's the difference between the N.L. today in 2020, 2019 and 40 years ago:

Statistic                  2020        2019      1980
HRs/game                   1.29        1.36      0.64
Runs/game                  4.71        4.78      4.03
Walks/game                 3.43        3.28      3.07
Strikeouts/game            8.55        8.81      5.06
Batting Avg                .246        .251      .259
On Base Pctg               .325        .323      .320
OPS                        .746        .753      .695

https://www.baseball-reference.com/leagues/NL/bat.shtml

[lex24]

Well, we like triples too...and stolen bases.  Here's the difference between the N.L. today and 40 years ago:

Statistic                  2020        1980
HRs/game                   1.29        0.64
Runs/game                  4.71        4.03
Walks/game                 3.43        3.07
Strikeouts/game            8.55        5.06
Batting Avg                .246        .259
On Base Pctg               .325        .320
OPS                        .746        .695

https://www.baseball-reference.com/leagues/NL/bat.shtml

Maybe this is part of the point you were making, but 2020 was a big change for the NL...changing from pitchers hitting to designated hitters. 
Then again, if you had used 2019, the contrast would have been even greater as it appears 2020 was a down hitting year compared to 2019.

Numbers only tell part of the story. 1980 Teams hit-and-run, they squeezed, they stole bases, they pitched out, they didn’t just rely on walks and homers.  They have taken the art out of the game. It’s all power now for pitching and hitting. Which makes it a much less enjoyable game to watch

[lex24]

Well, we like triples too...and stolen bases.  Here's the difference between the N.L. today and 40 years ago:

Statistic                  2020        1980
HRs/game                   1.29        0.64
Runs/game                  4.71        4.03
Walks/game                 3.43        3.07
Strikeouts/game            8.55        5.06
Batting Avg                .246        .259
On Base Pctg               .325        .320
OPS                        .746        .695

https://www.baseball-reference.com/leagues/NL/bat.shtml

Maybe this is part of the point you were making, but 2020 was a big change for the NL...changing from pitchers hitting to designated hitters. 
Then again, if you had used 2019, the contrast would have been even greater as it appears 2020 was a down hitting year compared to 2019.

Numbers only tell part of the story. 1980 Teams hit-and-run, they squeezed, they stole bases, they pitched out, they didn’t just rely on walks and homers.  They have taken the art out of the game. It’s all power now for pitching and hitting. Which makes it a much less enjoyable game to watch

[Phogge]

Some great baseball is played on the JC level. Kids play balls out hoping to get a D! look or a scout interested. CCSF used to be excellent with a bunch of City kids who couldn't get into State or USF. I watched some JC ball when my nephew was the state POY for the school up in Quincy. There are some great HS leagues in the area and Sacramento. Pure baseball there except for the occasional kid who preens.

You might have fun watching a few innings Lex. As long as you have a coach with the balls to keep the parents at bay it can be fun.

[Phogge]

Some great baseball is played on the JC level. Kids play balls out hoping to get a D! look or a scout interested. CCSF used to be excellent with a bunch of City kids who couldn't get into State or USF. I watched some JC ball when my nephew was the state POY for the school up in Quincy. There are some great HS leagues in the area and Sacramento. Pure baseball there except for the occasional kid who preens.

You might have fun watching a few innings Lex. As long as you have a coach with the balls to keep the parents at bay it can be fun.

[PVTree]

Baseball has also become more specialized: platooning, defensive shifts, middle relievers, closers, etc.

I remember when starting rotations consisted of 4 pitchers who started 35+ games in a season. Nowadays, I would guess starting pitchers average 6 innings per game or less.

I find myself watching less and less baseball every year until the playoffs come around. Basketball and hockey only watch the championship series. Football is the only pro sport league I still watch on a weekly basis, mainly due to fantasy football participation.

College sports is a different thing. I'll watch plenty and any sport if Stanford is involved.

[PVTree]

Baseball has also become more specialized: platooning, defensive shifts, middle relievers, closers, etc.

I remember when starting rotations consisted of 4 pitchers who started 35+ games in a season. Nowadays, I would guess starting pitchers average 6 innings per game or less.

I find myself watching less and less baseball every year until the playoffs come around. Basketball and hockey only watch the championship series. Football is the only pro sport league I still watch on a weekly basis, mainly due to fantasy football participation.

College sports is a different thing. I'll watch plenty and any sport if Stanford is involved.

[Luckydev18]

The bottom line is that among major sports, baseball (and hockey, which has always struggled) has the biggest challenges going forward.

https://morningconsult.com/2020/09/28/ge...ts-fandom/



While 50% of all adults are avid or casual MLB fans, only 32% of Gen Z is, by far the biggest drop-off between adult fans and Gen Z fans.  In fact, most major sports leagues will see a drop-off in interest, with the exception of the NBA and eSports.

I can identify; it's been years since I've watched a baseball game, and decades since I've watched one on TV, and growing up, I followed baseball  most closely (it helped that it was the only major sport available on TV in Venezuela, where i grew up).

BC

Interesting that the only one that is kickin boomer asses is e-sports.

Assume this will be even more in the next gen.

[Luckydev18]

The bottom line is that among major sports, baseball (and hockey, which has always struggled) has the biggest challenges going forward.

https://morningconsult.com/2020/09/28/ge...ts-fandom/



While 50% of all adults are avid or casual MLB fans, only 32% of Gen Z is, by far the biggest drop-off between adult fans and Gen Z fans.  In fact, most major sports leagues will see a drop-off in interest, with the exception of the NBA and eSports.

I can identify; it's been years since I've watched a baseball game, and decades since I've watched one on TV, and growing up, I followed baseball  most closely (it helped that it was the only major sport available on TV in Venezuela, where i grew up).

BC

Interesting that the only one that is kickin boomer asses is e-sports.

Assume this will be even more in the next gen.

[Papa John]

Per my 8th grade son, any sports poll that does not include frisbee golf is invalid.

[Papa John]

Per my 8th grade son, any sports poll that does not include frisbee golf is invalid.

[teejers1]

The bottom line is that among major sports, baseball (and hockey, which has always struggled) has the biggest challenges going forward.

https://morningconsult.com/2020/09/28/ge...ts-fandom/



While 50% of all adults are avid or casual MLB fans, only 32% of Gen Z is, by far the biggest drop-off between adult fans and Gen Z fans.  In fact, most major sports leagues will see a drop-off in interest, with the exception of the NBA and eSports.

I can identify; it's been years since I've watched a baseball game, and decades since I've watched one on TV, and growing up, I followed baseball  most closely (it helped that it was the only major sport available on TV in Venezuela, where i grew up).

BC

Interesting that the only one that is kickin boomer asses is e-sports.

Assume this will be even more in the next gen.

The notion that e-sports is considered a sport at all pretty much says it all.

[teejers1]

The bottom line is that among major sports, baseball (and hockey, which has always struggled) has the biggest challenges going forward.

https://morningconsult.com/2020/09/28/ge...ts-fandom/



While 50% of all adults are avid or casual MLB fans, only 32% of Gen Z is, by far the biggest drop-off between adult fans and Gen Z fans.  In fact, most major sports leagues will see a drop-off in interest, with the exception of the NBA and eSports.

I can identify; it's been years since I've watched a baseball game, and decades since I've watched one on TV, and growing up, I followed baseball  most closely (it helped that it was the only major sport available on TV in Venezuela, where i grew up).

BC

Interesting that the only one that is kickin boomer asses is e-sports.

Assume this will be even more in the next gen.

The notion that e-sports is considered a sport at all pretty much says it all.

[BostonCard]

The notion that e-sports is considered a sport at all pretty much says it all.

You're just begging for one of our resident Millenials to respond "OK, boomer"

BC

[BostonCard]

The notion that e-sports is considered a sport at all pretty much says it all.

You're just begging for one of our resident Millenials to respond "OK, boomer"

BC

[Mick]

Who was the first great MLB player born in San Francisco?  Hint: Hall of Famer Tim Keefe called him the best pitcher he'd ever seen.  The gent in question was a pitcher and the first one to strike out 19 in a game.

And who was the first Mexican American player in MLB? Also born in San Francisco and was the battery mate of the pitcher mentioned above.

[Mick]

Who was the first great MLB player born in San Francisco?  Hint: Hall of Famer Tim Keefe called him the best pitcher he'd ever seen.  The gent in question was a pitcher and the first one to strike out 19 in a game.

And who was the first Mexican American player in MLB? Also born in San Francisco and was the battery mate of the pitcher mentioned above.

[Phogge]

Tim Keefe never saw Frank Bertaina pitch.

[Phogge]

Tim Keefe never saw Frank Bertaina pitch.

[Mick]

Charlie Sweeney, born in SF in 1863 to Irish immigrants.  Dad was a cop.  Played for Providence.  In 1883, he struck out 48 batters in the season, then benefited from a new rule in which pitchers were allowed both (a) bend their elbow and wrist and (b) throw overhand.  His strikeouts increased to 337, and he was the first major leaguer to strike out 19 batters in a game.  His ERA went from 3.13 to 1.55 and he led the league in WHIP with 0.824.

His batterymate was Sandy Nava, first Mexican American to play MLB.  Apparently, even Cap Anson found him acceptable.  He couldn't hit, but is catching skills were superb at a time when catching tools were minimal and some catchers sat as far back as 20 feet from the plate to catch the balls.

Nava and fellow San Franciscan Sweeney were batterymates for two seasons.  Sweeney was not atypical for a ballplayer or San Franciscan of that era.  He became an alcoholic, killed a man in a bar fight, served three years, governor commuted his sentence but he got tuberculosis in prison and died at age 38.

[Mick]

Charlie Sweeney, born in SF in 1863 to Irish immigrants.  Dad was a cop.  Played for Providence.  In 1883, he struck out 48 batters in the season, then benefited from a new rule in which pitchers were allowed both (a) bend their elbow and wrist and (b) throw overhand.  His strikeouts increased to 337, and he was the first major leaguer to strike out 19 batters in a game.  His ERA went from 3.13 to 1.55 and he led the league in WHIP with 0.824.

His batterymate was Sandy Nava, first Mexican American to play MLB.  Apparently, even Cap Anson found him acceptable.  He couldn't hit, but is catching skills were superb at a time when catching tools were minimal and some catchers sat as far back as 20 feet from the plate to catch the balls.

Nava and fellow San Franciscan Sweeney were batterymates for two seasons.  Sweeney was not atypical for a ballplayer or San Franciscan of that era.  He became an alcoholic, killed a man in a bar fight, served three years, governor commuted his sentence but he got tuberculosis in prison and died at age 38.

[BobK]

Here’s a good story with ideas to start the thinking

https://www.mercurynews.com/san-francisc...ets-oct-14

[BobK]

Here’s a good story with ideas to start the thinking

https://www.mercurynews.com/san-francisc...ets-oct-14

[gailtate]

Here’s a good story with ideas to start the thinking

https://www.mercurynews.com/san-francisc...ets-oct-14

They can have Beane and Fisher, too.

[gailtate]

Here’s a good story with ideas to start the thinking

https://www.mercurynews.com/san-francisc...ets-oct-14

They can have Beane and Fisher, too.

[BobK]

Beane is close to being a part owner of the Red Sox thus no longer can be a GM of another team.

Who is Fisher?

[BobK]

Beane is close to being a part owner of the Red Sox thus no longer can be a GM of another team.

Who is Fisher?

[slide]

Beane is close to being a part owner of the Red Sox thus no longer can be a GM of another team.

Who is Fisher?

LOL.  Ebenezer Scrooge Fisher, non-funding owner of the A's.

[slide]

Beane is close to being a part owner of the Red Sox thus no longer can be a GM of another team.

Who is Fisher?

LOL.  Ebenezer Scrooge Fisher, non-funding owner of the A's.

[gailtate]

Beane is close to being a part owner of the Red Sox thus no longer can be a GM of another team.

Who is Fisher?

LOL.  Ebenezer Scrooge Fisher, non-funding owner of the A's.

John J. Fisher, fabulously wealthy trust-fund son of Donald Fisher, founder of "The Gap" retail empire. Shamelessly milks the cash from the franchise at the expense of investing in its future.

[gailtate]

Beane is close to being a part owner of the Red Sox thus no longer can be a GM of another team.

Who is Fisher?

LOL.  Ebenezer Scrooge Fisher, non-funding owner of the A's.

John J. Fisher, fabulously wealthy trust-fund son of Donald Fisher, founder of "The Gap" retail empire. Shamelessly milks the cash from the franchise at the expense of investing in its future.

[Phogge]

That would be the Money Gap.

[Phogge]

That would be the Money Gap.