Can you imagine not being able to see your favorite teams, such as the Reds, play baseball on television? I can't, but before August 26th, 1939 if you wanted to watch a game, you had to go to the park. Today we have the technology to watch any game at any place at any time via the internet or programs like MLB network provided by DirecTV. On August 26th, 1939, our own Cincinnati Reds played the Brooklyn Dodgers in a game that would change history. Thanks to this technological innovation, the popularity of the game grew tremendously, but at a small cost. This innovation made the terrible phenomenon of "bandwagon" possible. Because fans can see teams not in their region on ESPN or MLB Network, they can follow any team they want and fans in cities with losing teams can root for whoever won the World Series last year even if they don't even know a single player on the team.
Technology has also transformed the game itself. Over the last few years, the utilization of instant replay has been incorporated into the game. The umpire no longer has total control of the call on the field. Questionable calls such as homeruns and plays at the plate can now be reviewed on a screen immediately following the play to ensure accuracy. Traditional fans hate this new aspect and argue that the umpire's power is a part of the game that should not be tampered with. However, if the power of instant replay is utilized even more, the fairness of the game can be maximized and umpire's terrible mistakes that ruin a pitcher's perfect game can be eliminated. I am referring to Jim Joyce of course, the umpire who in 2009 blew a call at first base when he called the runner safe. Upon later review, it was clear the runner was out, and the pitcher, Armando Galarraga would still have his perfect game in tact and would have his name go down in history. Instant replay has its advantages and disadvantages, but when utilized correctly and quickly, i believe it can only help the game of baseball.
1 comment:
I respectfully disagree with your idea that instant replay is good for baseball. Number one it slows the game down, which baseball happens to be one of the longest of sports. Number two baseball is at its best with drama and controversy. Everyone watches games hoping for an argument that results in a player or manager ejected. Some managers argue calls just to get there team fired up. It allows for teams to overcome great adversity and show what they are really made of.
Number Three where does instant replay stop. If you start reviewing home runs and plays at the plate, do you also review balls and strikes. Every game has bad calls at the plate and some of them are blatantly obvious. So in order of "fairness", that too should be subject to review right? Wrong. The umpires are not cyborgs and can't make the correct call all the time. But that is part of the game and always should be. Its been that way since the game was invented and therefore it should be today. I understand your argument and respect it, I'm just giving you a baseball players perspective on the matter.
Sincerely
RoboCop
Post a Comment