The key to getting cheap baseball tickets
: go late. Went to Fenway today, bought two tickets for $25 each that had a face value of $55, and arrived in our seats 10 rows up from the first base dugout at the end of the second inning. It was one of those great lazy Sunday afternoons that made me wonder why I didn't go to the ballpark more often.
I also realized that it could be a long time before I go to another game if the players go on strike. Economics aside, Baseball needs reform in the way it sells itself. For example, there were a couple of great plays today, the best of which took everybody in the park by surprise--Anaheim ran a successful suicide squeeze with the score tied 3-3 in the top of the 9th. The Red Sox infield was back, but because the bunt went directly to the pitcher, there was a close play at the plate.
Since nobody saw it coming and the play was close, most fans turned to the scoreboard to see the replay... but because MLB has a rule about not showing replays of close plays, there wasn't one. It's possible that this rule exists so the umpires won't get booed lustily, but a) that happens anyways, and b) the fans certainly accept the fallibility of the umps. Baseball needs to reinvent itself as a forward-thinking sport that at the same time capitalizes on its rich history and nostalgic feel. Why should I pay good money for a ticket and ridiculous prices at the concession stands when I can stay home, watch for free, pay nothing for food and get replays from all conceivable angles?
Baseball drags at times, and both the NBA and NHL have segements where the sole purpose is to keep the fans entertained during breaks in play. Adopt some measures that may change the feel of the game--not the game itself--that ensure the fans have a great experience at the park. Do for the fans what Mark Cuban does for his Dallas Mavericks--treat them well and they will come back...and maybe even tolerate a little labor strife.
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