Have you heard about the Golden At Bat concept? It’s one of those ideas that raises eyebrows. It sounds like a bit of a desperation move by my Tocayo #MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred to try and inject some excitement and drama into the game in a way that feels fake.
For anyone unfamiliar, the idea was for a single, unique at-bat to be awarded to a player who hasn’t been in the All-Star Game, but who somehow has the "right" story or narrative behind them. The winner of this at-bat would receive an almost mythical "Golden At Bat" prize, a promotional stunt aimed at creating a big splash in the media and maybe pulling in younger viewers, right?
it’s a gimmicky like a last-ditch effort to fix something that doesn’t need fixing. And comparing it to an #NBA Finals free-throw contest is an apt analogy. Baseball is about tradition, strategy, and the unpredictable drama that unfolds naturally in the game. Introducing random one-off events or “prizes” like this feels disconnected from what makes the sport great. Fans love the sport because it rewards skill, patience, and the nuances of a long season, not a single contrived moment.
The whole push to "attract young people" with gimmicks often rings hollow. It’s like saying, "We’re going to change the game, but not by making it more exciting or meaningful, just by selling you more stuff.” It's a classic case of trying to fix something by distracting the audience with novelty, instead of engaging with the deeper aspects of the game that truly resonate with all ages.
Plus, it also feels like it’s ultimately more about generating cash for owners than enhancing the actual fan experience. Fans want good baseball, not marketing stunts, and as long as the game continues to focus on what matters—respect for the sport and its players—the true fans will keep showing up, even if they’re not lured in by a "Golden At Bat."
What do you think would help bring younger fans to the game? A shift in the rules? Better access to games? or something else?
https://www.thisdayinquotes.com/2018/12/baseball-been-berry-berry-good-…