In order to make Major League Baseball America's favorite past time again; what changes need to be address and made?

I think getting rid of steroids would help. I wrote a hub on that at http://hubpages.com/hub/Steroids-In-Baseball1 . But you might also need to get rid of football...

The designation 'favorite pastime' isn't something you can force on a nation. It's a collective choice the country at large would need to make, and we as a nation are swayed towards our lifestyles, hobbies and pastimes by a countless variety of cultural factors.

This is not something you could physically do. 50-100 years ago, baseball was America's pastime, but times have changed, and it doesn't necessarily have much to do with the quality of baseball. It's just the direction the nation took.

I don't think it is fixable. I went to a Dodgers game in Los Angeles a couple of months ago. If it wasn't for a party, I wouldn't have gone. And I probably won't go again. It is amazing to me that they get the crowds that they actually do.

Tickets are expensive (due to the huge salaries the players get). Parking is ridiculous and expensive. Once you get into a lot, it is fine in the lot(s), but the traffic getting in and out of the lot, and then even into or out of the general area, streets, freeways... sheesh.

Keep in mind that this can be a several times a week thing, as opposed to once a week for football.

Then, the stadium (there, anyway) is so big, you almost need binoculars to see what's going on. You get a better view watching a game on television.

Now there is something to be said for the pastoral atmosphere looking out on the field from covered bleachers, or the parties in the courtyards. It was very pleasant after finally getting in. If only it wasn't so expensive and such a hassle to get in and out.

It's a good thing games are televised. Otherwise baseball would be totally dead. Or would it? Salaries would be much, much less, so ticket prices would be much less. Many variables to consider. The clubs promote the hell out trying to get people to attend. But in a brave new world, games could be televised with no fans at the stadium at all.

BTW, Steroids? Who cares? Not really a factor from what I can see.

The game is too slow. Umpires need to speed it up. Also stop showing the spitting.

eliminate the division series so that there's more drama in the September pennant race in each division and thus more tension in the actual playoffs themselves, and remove Sosa, McGuire and Bonds from the record books. And also, they need to have the star players make more appearences in sit-coms and films. That helps like you wouldn't believe.

The whole steroid Era needs to come to an end ASAP! I think everyone of those players that tested positive for some sort of performance enhancing drug should be named. Im so sick of hearing about the leaked names and its always happening to be the guys everyone loves or loved. Personally i want to know everyone who failed i think we all should and we can make our own judgements on them. Regardless our favorite past time has been tainted which is quite a shame but you cant take back the past we do however need to figure out what to do with the people who ruined the image and get past this nasty mess.

I think it starts at the top. The owners need to get strong leadership in place that is not afraid of a showdown with the players union. Bud Selig is not the man to be running baseball. The NBA has flourished under David Stern. The NFL is by far the most popular sport in America today. If you don't believe me, TV numbers dont lie. The Major Leagues need a new commissioner and a new attitude. They need to put a salary cap in place, take the power away from the union, and better market their stars as individuals.

I think marketing is the biggest concern. MLB is doing a horrible job marketing to kids. It simply isn't very cool. Not only that, but there is a lack of superstars in the game. The NFL and NBA have a ton, but baseball has only a couple. MLB needs to do a better job marketing to urban youth like the NFL and NBA do. That's my solution.

I think steroids have much less do to do with it than most people think. Its marketing and players. There simply are not enough cool-star caliber players.

What has happened that is causing the once impervious game pf baseball to cause once zealous fans to now collectively snore in their seats? If there is anyone sitting in the next seat, that is. Even in big... keep reading →