A lot has changed in how America perceives its pastime, as there’s now a debate as to whether Major League Baseball is among the top three most popular sports in the United States.
Over the years, the game has endured numerous criticisms. Some say baseball is just too boring of a game to watch. Others say there is not enough hitting and scoring to keep people entertained. It is also believed 162 nine-inning games makes far too long of a season.
Any one of the previous complaints could definitely help explain why the MLB is not looked upon with the same nostalgia it once was, but I personally think that prospect drafting system is doing more harm than good for the game and should be changed.
The MLB
First-Year Player Draft is a three-day-long event with 40 rounds, which usually happens during the first week of June. People who are not super enthralled by baseball typically don’t even realize the draft is happening, and even if they do, most don’t watch the first day of the draft, which is the only one that is televised.
The MLB Draft eligibility is unlike that of any other professional league because it allows players to be drafted out of high school. In my opinion, this hurts the game of baseball and the draft as well.
Why would people want to watch the draft when all they will get to see are teams drafting star high school players from all over the country who many have never heard of or seen play? On top of that, those drafted in the top round still spend multiple years playing in the minor leagues before making their MLB debut, and some never even make it past the minors.
My solution to this problem is that the MLB needs to take the same approach used by the NFL: requiring all to play three or four years of college baseball. By doing this, players still get the same time that they need to grow and develop and can make it to MLB much faster.
Additionally, if some of the major networks that cover NCAA football and basketball would do the same for college baseball, the sport would be much different. Fans would be more familiar with prospects, and thus could be more interested in the draft if it includes players they recognize.
I realize changes would drastically alter or eliminate the current minor league system, but that is what is best. If the MLB adopts the NFL’s eligibility standards, and if networks devote the same money, time and attention to college baseball that they do with football and basketball, baseball will benefit at the collegiate and professional levels.
Most importantly, it could give baseball a chance to be America’s pastime again.
@MLLRC93
cm001111@ohiou.edu
