Ray Keating looks at the Big 4 controversies in baseball today – more teams in the playoffs, starting a runner on second during extra innings, seven-inning doubleheaders, and the universal designated hitter. Keating argues that if you love baseball – real baseball – then you should be in favor of one of these ideas, and vehemently opposed to the others.
Showing posts with label baseball. Show all posts
Showing posts with label baseball. Show all posts
Monday, September 28, 2020
Wednesday, July 22, 2020
The Left and Fellow Conservatives Need to Stop Whining and Enjoy the Game
by Ray Keating
The Keating Files – July 22, 2020
No matter where one sits on the religious, philosophical and political spectrums, we all seem to like it when discovering sports or Hollywood stars who agree with us. At the same time, however, we’re bothered when people famous for making movies or excelling on fields of competition serve up views with which we disagree.
Well, okay. I’ve certainly been guilty of this, and my guess is that most people who care about issues have been as well.
The question is: How do we react when presented by opposing views – indeed, views we might disagree with quite seriously?
Unfortunately, reactions on both the Left and Right these days tend to be, well, whiny. And does anyone really like whining? I don’t think so.
Among my fellow conservatives (including a good number who call themselves “conservative” but have no idea what it means), too many ramp up the whining because Hollywood is overly populated by liberals (and it is). The assumption is that everything, therefore, coming out of Hollywood is hard-core left wing. It’s especially whiny when some conservatives attack movies or television shows without seeing them, even taking on movies that haven’t been released yet (for example, that was the case with the fine 2018 film First Man). However, if individuals spent more time watching assorted movies, rather than whining about them, they might not only discover some solid storytelling, but also – to quote Arnold (Sam Jackson) in Jurassic Park, “Hold on to your butts” – some conservative themes.
And then there’s the latest controversies emerging as pro sports leagues prepare to return to action.
This fan is especially appreciative that baseball will return on July 23, followed by the NHL on August 1, and the NFL in September, with golf, NASCAR and beach volleyball already back. (Yes, the NBA will be back at the end of this month, but I’ve never been a big NBA fan.) The sports drought due to the coronavirus pandemic has been too long for this fan, and I greatly appreciate the efforts being put forth by the respective leagues and players in being willing to step back on the field of play even as COVID-19 continues to spread in the U.S. I pray for their safety, and thank them for their efforts in bringing some enjoyment to Americans.
But there’s more in the mix now. The death of George Floyd while in Minneapolis police custody has justifiably led to an assortment of peaceful protests, and an expanded discussion of police brutality. Not surprisingly, many people, especially in minority communities, want to say their piece. That includes pro sports players.
No doubt, people will say and express opinions that others are going to disagree with, but that’s not a negative. Instead, it ranks among the many freedoms that we enjoy in this country, thanks to the ideas and principles expressed in and springing from the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution. Conservatives should understand this – perhaps more so than others given that conservatism recognizes the historic importance of the American founding documents and ideas.
The discussion should be robust but also civil – again, preferably absent of whining.
Players are free to express themselves on the field of play, as long as their employers provide a thumbs up to do so on “company time,” if you will. If employers are reluctant to do so, then professional athletes also have the wherewithal and soapbox to express their opinions off the field.
In a statement, Farhan Zaidi, the President of Baseball Operations for the San Francisco Giants, said in part: “We support those who knelt peacefully to protest racial injustice and those who stood to express love of country. We do not see these as mutually exclusive sentiments and believe the freedom to express both is what our country is about.” Even if one disagrees with kneeling during the National Anthem, that’s a solid sentiment.
At the same time, sports fans who want their sports “politics free” can express their points as well. And of course, they are free to not watch sports.
I have noticed, though, that those who declare that they will not watch sports in which a minority of players, for example, kneel during the National Anthem often seem to just be whining about individuals expressing views they don’t like. Many of these same people, after all, are simply delighted when a player blesses himself or points skyward as a thank you to the Lord. Are they outraged by all expressions of views or simply the ones with which they disagree?
Then there’s the occasional piece written that serves up some strange arguments amidst this controversy. Consider a column written by Victor David Hanson running at National Review. The author of The Case for Trump doesn’t generally seem too keen on the NFL, but the title of the piece boldly declares “The NFL is on the Brink.” Whoa! The brink of what?
Before I highlight a few points, I did wonder if the headline overstated the article’s point, given that most columnists don’t have the final say on column titles and I have been victim of poor titles myself. But the title deftly captures Hanson’s prediction that “the NFL is in deep trouble like never before.”
Hanson makes some grandiose claims. For example, he writes, “Kaepernick’s rejection of ‘The Star-Spangled Banner’ eventually spread throughout the NFL.” Not true. Anyone watching games would have seen that a small fraction of players took a knee.
Hanson also writes, “Then game attendance fell. So did television viewership.” While NFL attendance has declined ever so slightly since 2016, it still remains strong, and other factors must be considered, especially the high cost of tickets (which have been rising relentlessly), when examining this recent small decline. As for television ratings, after a one-year dip, ratings have bounced back, and the NFL ranks as a juggernaut in the fast-changing world of television – with even bigger dollars likely to be raked in by the league when current television deals are up at the end of 2021 and 2022.
After some sarcastic ranting about proportional representation, Hanson predicts grave consequences for the NFL if players are allowed to express political views.
Hmmm, maybe. But I have my doubts considering where the nation is today. We’ll see. But my strongest takeaway from this piece was the following: More whining. It didn’t really contribute anything of value to the discussion.
As a conservative, I’m distressed when players take a knee during the National Anthem. I think it reflects an ignorance about what the flag stands for, and about the freedoms guaranteed by the foundational documents and principles of this nation. We are a nation of strong ideals, a love of freedom, and a respect for justice, and at the same time, we fall short and struggle to claw closer to those ideals.
I also tend to favor my sports being relatively politics free in a society in which everything seems to be increasingly politicized – from face masks during a pandemic to baseball games. It’s tiring, and narrows the spaces in society where we are able to come together simply as fellow Americans without regard to political views. A healthy society, again, as conservatives should understand, is not a highly politicized society. Politics and government are necessary evils given the realities of human nature, and should be relegated to the back seat or trunk – available when needed – and certainly shouldn’t be in the driver’s seat.
At the same time, I understand – more so in recent times – the gross shortcomings and bias of law enforcement in parts of this country, and the need for checks and balances to be working in all aspects of government. I once more turn to the founders who, again, understood the need for checks and balances given human nature.
My hopes? I hope to continue speaking in favor of this nation’s founding principles, including freedom and individual responsibility, as I long have. I hope to engage those with whom I disagree in a constructive manner, and in a way that will help to persuade, rather than chase away. I hope to limit my own whining, and remind others to stop whining. And while political expressions that I disagree with served up before or even during sporting events, no doubt, will continue to annoy me, I hope to keep in mind that we live in the greatest nation on earth that allows for such disagreement.
Finally, I’m going to enjoy the games – after a long sports drought. I hope that Americans from across the religious, philosophical and political spectrums come together to watch some baseball, football, basketball or hockey. Indeed, we just might gain a better understanding of and respect for each other – and be able to persuade and learn – over a brew and ballgame.
__________
See related...
See recent...
__________
Ray Keating is a columnist, economist, podcaster and entrepreneur. You can order his new book Behind Enemy Lines: Conservative Communiques from Left-Wing New York from Amazon or signed books at RayKeatingOnline.com. His other recent nonfiction book is Free Trade Rocks! 10 Points on International Trade Everyone Should Know. The views expressed here are his own – after all, no one else should be held responsible for this stuff, right?
Keating also is a novelist. His latest novel is The Traitor: A Pastor Stephen Grant Novel, which is the 12th book in the series. In addition, Heroes and Villains: A Pastor Stephen Grant Short Story is the Pastor Stephen Grant Book of the Month for July. The Kindle price has been cut to $2.99. Big sale on signed books and sets at https://raykeatingonline.com/t/book-of-the-month.
Also, tune in to Ray Keating’s podcasts – the PRESS CLUB C Podcast and the Free Enterprise in Three Minutes Podcast
Thursday, June 18, 2020
PRESS CLUB C Podcast with Ray Keating – Episode #15: Immigration, Bolton’s Book and Baseball
Ray works through some controversial issues in this episode. He wonders why people don’t get it on immigration, notes some deeply distressing tidbits from John Bolton’s forthcoming book, and makes clear that we better see baseball soon. Tune in now!
Wednesday, June 10, 2020
The Ills of Labor Unions, Part I: Baseball
by Ray Keating
The Keating Files – June 10, 2020
Confession is good for the soul. So, here goes: This free market economist was once a card-carry member of the Teamsters Union. Wow, I feel better getting that off my chest.
Anyway, some might ask: What’s the problem with labor unions? Plenty, and assorted current events – including squabbling over a plan to bring back baseball – expose the ills of labor unions.
First, it’s important to understand the basic economics of labor unions. That is, labor unions overwhelmingly are about seeking to maximize the compensation of union members and to monopolize employment in an industry or business under a union, while also pushing to minimize the work being performed by those union members. Hmmm, and how does that work out? Of course, it’s a recipe for reduced competitiveness, lost business, lower profits, less investment in unionized businesses, and lost opportunities and jobs for union members over the long run.
Indeed, keep in mind that labor union membership in the early 1950s stood at about 33 percent of employed U.S. workers, and that tumbled to 10.3 percent in 2019. Even more striking has been the decline into irrelevance for unions in the private sector, with private sector union membership falling from 21.2 percent in 1979 to 6.2 percent in 2019.
As investment moves away from unionized businesses, productivity is reduced, which means less earnings for workers and lost profits for owners. Labor unions operate under the mistaken Marxist assumption that workers and business owners are at odds. But in reality, workers and owners rise and fall together.
For example, investments made by owners in facilities, tools, technology and other innovations enhance productivity, which boosts both workers earnings and business profits. In addition, when owners and workers are focused on providing excellent products and customer service, both owners and workers benefit.
This is all Economic 101 and Business 101. But labor unions specialize in ignoring such basic lessons.
On the baseball front, Major League Baseball’s team owners and the Major League Baseball Players Association are working at odds – rather than together – to bring baseball back this season.
Golly, what a surprise. Baseball’s owners and the union have been less than friendly over the years. So, with NASCAR back, the PGA Tour restarting this weekend, the NBA moving ahead with its plan to complete its season in Walt Disney World starting in late July, and the NHL trying to get back on the ice, baseball owners and players publicly bicker.
What’s the beef? Naturally, the MLBPA is trying to squeeze every last cent out of an abbreviated season for its members in the face of grim financial circumstances.
The owners also are at fault for not being able to see early on in this pandemic shutdown that they might be playing without fans this season, and the resulting financial hit. But after the owners woke up to this harsh economic reality, the MLBPA has exhibited no interest in giving a damn, unwilling to revisit a March agreement for fully prorated salaries. Proposals go back and forth – with CBS Sports reporting that the MLBPA tossed out the latest plan for an 89-game season and expanded playoffs – but strife reigns.
Meanwhile, baseball fans suffer, and so does the baseball brand and its goodwill – and that, of course, is bad for baseball and the players. This coronavirus pandemic presented an opportunity for the MLBPA to put aside its archaic union thinking, and do what’s right for fans, for the game, for the business of baseball, and for the long-run well-being of its members. But, no.
It’s a strange thing that one can make the case that the strongest private sector union left in America is the MLBPA – a union representing wealthy athletes that play baseball for a living. Well, if anyone needs a union it would be men playing a children’s game for lots of money – right?
By the way, MLB can implement a season of its own choosing, and there have been rumblings about less than 50 games. That wouldn’t be a big hit with fans – though many would take anything – and the owners would risk further angering the vaunted MLBPA with the current collective bargaining agreement expiring in December 2021.
Team owners and players still have an opportunity to recognize that their fates are tied together. They could step forward in unity to bring back baseball at a time when the country needs it, and by doing so, while taking a short-term financial hit, improve the brand of baseball for the benefit of the game, its customers (the fans), the owners, and the players. It would be smart business, but labor unions have nothing to do with smart business.
__________
See related...
See recent...
See notable...
__________
Ray Keating is a columnist, economist, podcaster and entrepreneur. You can order his new book Behind Enemy Lines: Conservative Communiques from Left-Wing New York from Amazon or signed books at RayKeatingOnline.com. His other recent nonfiction book is Free Trade Rocks! 10 Points on International Trade Everyone Should Know. Keating also is a novelist. His latest novels are The Traitor: A Pastor Stephen Grant Novel, which is the 12th book in the series, and the second edition of Root of All Evil? A Pastor Stephen Grant Novel with a new Author Introduction. The views expressed here are his own – after all, no one else should be held responsible for this stuff, right?
Also, tune in to Ray Keating’s podcasts – the PRESS CLUB C Podcast and the Free Enterprise in Three Minutes Podcast
Tuesday, June 9, 2020
PRESS CLUB C Podcast with Ray Keating – Episode #14: Labor Unions Cause Problems in Baseball, Education and Policing
As an economist and political commentator, Ray Keating has long been sick and tired of labor unions – especially government unions – and the ills they generate. Perhaps now lots of other people are as well. Problems in baseball, and more serious troubles regarding education and policing can be tracked to, in part, the actions of labor unions. Keating applies some Economics 101 and Politics 101 to explain why unions, well, suck. Tune in now!
Wednesday, May 6, 2020
PRESS CLUB C Podcast with Ray Keating – Episode #5: Interview with Thom Brennaman – TV Play-by-Play for the Cincinnati Reds & FOX NFL
Ray Keating once again upgrades the podcast with a great guest. Thom Brennaman, Cincinnati Reds play-by-play TV announcer and play-by-play announcer for the NFL on FOX, is that special guest.
Thom and Ray talk about Brennaman’s broadcast experience and some of his fellow Reds announcers; the NFL’s noteworthy accomplishments with this year’s draft; NASCAR getting out front on re-opening among major sports; what lies ahead for baseball; and what the Reds were up to in the offseason and what the team promises to look like whenever the first pitch is tossed out for MLB season. Thom also plays “Tell Me Your Favorites” and talks about some matters beyond sports. Despite being a ridiculous Reds fan, Ray manages to act professionally. Enjoy the conversation!
Click here or on the graphic above.
Thom and Ray talk about Brennaman’s broadcast experience and some of his fellow Reds announcers; the NFL’s noteworthy accomplishments with this year’s draft; NASCAR getting out front on re-opening among major sports; what lies ahead for baseball; and what the Reds were up to in the offseason and what the team promises to look like whenever the first pitch is tossed out for MLB season. Thom also plays “Tell Me Your Favorites” and talks about some matters beyond sports. Despite being a ridiculous Reds fan, Ray manages to act professionally. Enjoy the conversation!
Click here or on the graphic above.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)