John, I don’t have much to say about the “modern” vs. “post-modern” characterization of the sports, except that I would disagree that baseball is the “consummate team game” and thus is the reason for “free-spirited” players to lose interest in it. I would say that the other three major sports, football (for exactly the reasons Jon describes), basketball, and NASCAR — oops, I mean hockey — are more team-oriented.
Instead, I would say that baseball is somewhat uniquely an individual game and a team game. The other sports, more than baseball, require that on each play or in the ongoing action that almost all the players on the field/court/ice be involved. In baseball, a single play may only involve the action of a few players.
I think some kids lose interest because, I believe most sports enthusiasts will agree, that hitting a baseball is the most difficult thing to do. If you are a successful hitter, you are still only getting on base roughly one-third of the time. It requires tremendous eye-hand coordination, focus, and getting the mechanics exactly right. And pitching isn’t much easier.
As for developing your personal interest in baseball, I think it is the ultimate thinking man’s game that is combined with the need for athleticism. Yes, the most accomplished in the other sports are usually also the smartest when playing (Michael Jordan, Larry Bird, Tom Brady, Wayne Gretzky, for examples). But with baseball I marvel as much at the chess match as I do at the athletic accomplishments.
I don’t know how well you know the game, but of course you can’t learn without watching. The highlight shows don’t really capture this as much as the games themselves do. On ESPN’s Sunday night games Joe Morgan, in my opinion, does a real good job explaining the game and why certain moves/plays are good or bad.
I suspect your interest has to do with a youngster or two who enjoys the game. Well, you won’t fall asleep watching your own kids play. The great thing about Little League is you can still get excited about how your own kid is doing even if the team around him is not so good. Plus it’s fun getting to know other families that are involved, as well as their coaches — there are lots of interesting social observations you can make while watching.
As for the TV games, there is nothing wrong with falling asleep. I find baseball on TV to be the ultimate relaxation and also a good background noise/activity if your involved in another project. If you miss something important, there are always plenty of replays.
You knew I’d respond, didn’t you?
