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Original Writings, Images, Video and Artworks of Mike Hartley

Tag Archives: MLB


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The latest

The latest example of GREED meeting GAME will be on display this offseason for Major League Baseball. One that I’ll be watching not for the back-and-forth crap that will fill the airwaves from each side. But the time that it’s done in.

Opening day is slated for March 24th, 2027. If that comes off without disruption as well as spring training, I’m still a committed and loving fan. Screw that up and we have issues.

You have made major changes to the game that made it more attractive. The just finished World Series proves it’s not how much money you spend, it’s how you do things. Do the right thing. Both sides get in behind closed doors and solve this fast. Be an example to other sports. Or not, your choice.

Your attendance is up. TV viewership is way up. Don’t pick this time to make another mistake. Don’t make me use the phrase that comic Ron White does. “You Can’t Fix Stupid” on you.

A baseball player in a gray uniform prepares to swing at a pitch while a catcher in an orange and black uniform crouches behind home plate. Coaches and players are seen in the dugout in the background, with spectators in the stands.
The interesting thing is minor league baseball is unaffected by the MLB contracts. Photo by Mike Hartley

I like baseball. I played a good bit when I was younger. I was going to start working with the grandkids if they are interested. There are so many good values and lessons from baseball. Don’t screw that up. Your already on the brink by bringing in gambling and that already may be the death blow in the long run.

But you have an opportunity to put the integrity back in the game from a business standpoint. Make it ugly back and forth, let it affect the coming season. And see what happens. Go ahead, test the fans one more time. You might think you control the purse strings. I’d say we have a pretty good say in that also.

A young boy and an adult are cleaning home plate on a baseball field using a large blue brush. The boy appears excited, standing close to the adult, who is helping him.
Don’t brush off the fans again. We might just rush the mound. Photo by Mike Hartley

And most of all don’t ruin it for the younger generation. We already have enough bad examples of wealth making people do the wrong things.

Ironically the photos above are from Ripken Stadium. He helped bring the game back the last time with that Iron Man consecutive game streak coming out of the strike. Remember owners, he’s retired.