"Speed Up The Game?" No, Thanks!

While listening to NPR on my way to work today there was discussion about the World Series, the game of baseball, and the need to "speed up the game" for a generation of people who are used to living in a fast-paced world. I found the interviewee's comments about "speed[ing] up the game" to be alarming.

I don't think baseball (or anything or anyone for that matter) should try to be something it's not. The speed of baseball games historically symbolized (and for many it continues to symbolize) slowing down in a rapidly industrializing world. With no clocks, baseball requires its observers to take a break from the world of 9:00 to 5:00. Yes, many still check their iPhones or tablets during games, but baseball for many, including me, is a chance to just take a break from the fast paced world we live in. And just because the game is "slower" than an NFL Football game, that doesn't make it less exciting. Baseball players are incredible athletes. If you don't believe that, go outside and try to throw a ball going between 90-100 miles an hour into an area about of about 3.5 square feet that is a little over 60 feet away from you. Or, you can always go to your local batting cages and see if they'll turn the speed to super-fast and then you can try and hit the ball that has a 9" circumference. Of course, most Triple-A and Major League Baseball players can hit that little ball about 300+ feet. And this is without saying anything about fielding! Baseball also has various intellectual aspects involved, and can be appreciated on different levels. If you're into stats, great! Baseball has a slew of stats that you could spend a lifetime learning about if you're into math. There's also the decisions about which pitchers to use at what times, the batting order, when to walk certain hitters, and more.

By "speeding up the game" baseball may gain a larger number of TV viewers, but it will also be reduced to the awfulness that has become our sound-bite culture. I like the game the way it is. During the 9 innings (or more if the game goes into extra innings) I can watch, calculate, talk with friends, and/or enjoy a hot dog. To the man on the radio I say "No, thanks."