Rob Manfred Got His Marquee World Series. Now What?
Baseball's Commissioner Faces Pressure to Capitalize
The 2022 Fall Classic is one that Major League Baseball Commissioner Rob Manfred dreamed of when he took over in 2015. Two of the league's largest markets, New York and Houston, squared off in a battle that was seemingly destined to become one for the ages.
With the Astros' four-game sweep of the Yankees, Manfred's dream became a reality. However, the celebration in the aftermath of the Astros' victory might be short-lived for the commissioner. While ratings increased from the previous year, viewership is still well below what was once the norm. Baseball's popularity has waned in recent years, and Manfred knows he needs to act quickly to reverse the trend. In a 2022 interview, Manfred said, "We need to make sure that baseball is a sport that is accessible to everyone, and that we are doing everything we can to promote the game and make it more exciting for fans." The commissioner has already taken some steps to address the issue, including implementing a pitch clock and expanding the playoffs. However, many believe that more needs to be done.
Baseball Needs to Embrace Change
The game of baseball has not changed much over the years. The basic rules have remained the same for over a century. While this has helped to preserve the game's tradition, it has also made it somewhat stale. Casual fans are simply not as interested in watching a game that can take over three hours to complete.
There are a number of things that Manfred could do to make the game more exciting for fans. One option would be to shorten the length of games. This could be done by reducing the number of innings or by implementing a time limit. Manfred could also make the game more offense-oriented by reducing the size of the strike zone or by moving the mound back. Additionally, implementing a pitch clock would reduce the amount of time between pitches.
The Future of Baseball
The future of baseball is uncertain. The game is facing a number of challenges, including declining viewership and increased competition from other sports. However, Manfred is confident that baseball can remain a popular sport for years to come. He believes that the key to the game's future is to embrace change and to make the game more exciting for fans.
Only time will tell if Manfred's plans are successful. However, one thing is for sure: he is not afraid to make bold decisions. If he can successfully implement his plans, baseball could once again become one of the most popular sports in the world.
