Snappy newsletters. Simple Facebook sharing. Spirited comments. Sweet features are waiting… GET THEM NOW!

Hot on Facebook
Uproar After NC State Agent 'Fixes' Girl's Lunch Preschooler has to eat chicken nuggets instead of mom's meal »

November Baseball's a Farce

Selig needs to get the boys of summer off the field

By Kevin Spak,  Newser Staff

Posted Oct 27, 2009 3:06 PM CDT
Email

(Newser) – Isn’t the Fall Classic supposed to happen in the fall? Not this year. The World Series begins tomorrow night and, in case Bud Selig hasn’t noticed, it’s “never seemed more irrelevant,” writes Jay Mariotti. It’s simply too late in the year for baseball. “I can hear my body clock ticking, knowing Game 3 will be played on Halloween night.” Game 7, if it comes to that, will be in a probably frigid New York on November 5.

Fox and TBS have demanded all kinds of unnecessary off days to ensure the games are played in primo television spots, and the feckless Selig has acquiesced. That’s not only killed any mounting drama, it’s increased the likelihood of weather ruining things. Remember last year’s rain-soaked farce? Well showers are in the forecast for games one and two this year. At this point, writes Mariotti at Fanhouse, “there’s nothing an inept commissioner can do but hope he isn’t embarrassed again.”

The breath of Philadelphia Phillies' Chase Utley turns to steam in the cold during the fifth inning of Game 3 against the Colorado Rockies in an NLDS game, Oct. 11, 2009.
The breath of Philadelphia Phillies' Chase Utley turns to steam in the cold during the fifth inning of Game 3 against the Colorado Rockies in an NLDS game, Oct. 11, 2009.   (AP Photo/ David Zalubowski)
Philadelphia Phillies' Chase Utley warms-up before taking batting practice, Monday, Oct. 26, 2009, in Philadelphia.
Philadelphia Phillies' Chase Utley warms-up before taking batting practice, Monday, Oct. 26, 2009, in Philadelphia.   (AP Photo/Matt Slocum)
« Prev« Prev | Next »Next » Slideshow
To report an error on this story, notify our editors.
A snapshot of the day's best news stories.
 
COMMENTS
Showing 3 of 16 comments
Stasis
Oct 28, 2009 12:33 PM CDT
Baseball is gay
Reader65069154
Oct 28, 2009 1:04 AM CDT
ESPN is going to air what their audience and advertisers want. College and pro football seasons are short - 6 months max including playoffs. This undiluted season means every game counts and the fans know this, therefore they want to see every game. Season length by contrast: MLB: 8.5 months. NBA: 8.5 months NHL: 9 months.
DeniseVB
Oct 28, 2009 1:00 AM CDT
I'm all for a shorter baseball season too ! WS used to be over by mid Oct, now we have it with the NFL, NBA and NHL !

 
Iraq • weather • Philadelphia Phillies • Bud Selig • New York Yankees • World Series • Fox • baseball • Jay Mariotti • TBS

More Newser Stories

Giants Headed to World Series

Matsui Leaves New York In Style

Want a Yankees Ticket? Shell Out $1,000

If Yanks Win, Thank Kate, Blame Macy's

A-Rod Sheds Choke-Artist Rep
NEWS FROM OUR PARTNERS
Other Sites We Like:   24/7 Wall St.   |   Betty Confidential   |   BuzzFeed   |   Cracked   |   Fark   |   Timelines   |   The Frisky   |   Geek Sugar   |   NewsOne