I know I am going to get shouted down here for complaining after what was a big day for baseball. Dramatic homers; a no-hitter into the eighth; and Sandy Koufax hugging Clayton Kershaw.
But I’m diving in anyway. As good as Monday was, a 4-hour, 19-minute game that lasts only 9 innings underscores everything that is wrong with baseball.
Yes, Tampa Bay’s 5-4, not 15-14, victory over Boston broke my stopwatch. I mean, you’ve got to be trying really hard to play any slower. The finish might have been exciting, but getting there felt at times like a long slog through the Florida swamp.
It was the second 4-hour, 9-inning game in as many nights for baseball. Sunday, the Dodgers’ 13-6 victory over Atlanta stretched to 4:01.
I’m on a mission during the postseason to highlight the maddening slow pace of baseball. Check out my interview last week with Jim Kaat, the quick-pitch artist who also believes something needs to be done.
When I started to complain about the never-ending game last night on Twitter, several fans told me to shut up.
Tweeted back Chris Lake: “At this point no one cares about time of game… Great unpredictable ending…worth every second.”
Yes, but how many people got to “this point?” I wish Chris had been watching the game with my 18-year-old son. I wish Bud Selig and his crew also were with us.
Bored by the slow pace, my squirming son kept wanting me to switch to the football game. I can assure you many viewers in that key young demographic felt the same way. That’s the demo that is tuning out baseball.
By comparison to Tampa-Boston, the Dodgers’ 4-3 win over Atlanta felt brisk at 3:19, which still is too long. And did the St. Louis-Pittsburgh game really get done in 2:36? Now that’s the way it should be.
Too bad the St. Louis game will be an anomaly during the postseason, the rare finish under three hours. Heck, forget about three hours. At this rate, four hours might be the new standard.
I’ve got you on the clock, baseball. More to come.
Ed, you can start with Clay Buchholz. This guy has had a phenomenal season, but his ultra-slow and deliberate approach makes Steve Trachsel look like Mark Buehrle!
Also, I counted at least 2 Boston runners who were tagged out on the bases that were somehow ruled safe. Maybe some competent umpiring would also move things along a smidge…
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I could not agree more Ed. I’m from Chicago but I live in Florida now and follow the Rays and I wasn’t able to stay up for the game. Originally I was thinking the game would be over by 9 pm (3 hours) but as it approached 10:15 I had to go to sleep because I have to get up for work early like most adults. Baseball used to be my favorite sport but it is starting to become my least favorite out of the NFL, NHL and NBA. In today’s fast paced society, baseball will start to lose many fans as the years go on.
I switched to the football game…..missed the finish of the baseball game. But I did see the great finish of the NFL game.
I agree with your point. But how do you fix it? There is a rule on the books that reads: “When the bases are unoccupied, the pitcher shall deliver the ball to the batter within 12 seconds after he receives the ball.” But when is the last time you saw that enforced?