The Daily The Plan to Save Baseball From Boredom
13 snips
Mar 30, 2023 
Michael S. Schmidt, a national security correspondent for The New York Times, delves into baseball's groundbreaking rule changes aimed at revitalizing the sport. He highlights the introduction of a pitch clock and adjustments to player positions to increase engagement. Schmidt examines the paradox of excessive home runs contributing to gameplay boredom and discusses how new rules can enhance the pace of the game. The conversation balances humor with a critical look at baseball's evolving identity and its impact on fan experience.
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Schmidt's Humiliation
- Michael Schmidt shares a personal anecdote about pitching in baseball.
- Giving up home runs was a deeply humiliating experience for him.
Baseball's Existential Threat
- Baseball faces an existential threat due to declining fan interest and a perceived boredom issue.
- This is attributed to the sport's overreliance on home runs, despite them being exciting.
Babe Ruth and the Home Run
- Babe Ruth's power hitting in the 1920s propelled baseball's popularity and cemented the home run's significance.
- Iconic moments and players like Mickey Mantle and Hank Aaron further solidified the home run's place in the game.