Though I hate to rain on the "national pastime's" parade (emphasis on "past"), a baseball strike could not come at a more opportune time for MLS. The average American fan is fed up with the high-priced millionaires, who are too good to sign autographs and show no allegiance to the towns they play in, complaining about their situation. MLS could offer a viable alternative to such. Players who earn a moderate living (compared to other sports professionals) and are willing to be more involved in the community advancing their sport. I for one cannot wait for August 30 to come...
lets just hope there actually is a strike. last i heard there was some optimism that a deal would be reached.
if mlb strikes, then college football will get insane coverage, until mlb resumes, or the nfl, nhl and nba start...
In the past, MLS has had Wednesday games on the day after the MLB all-star game when there is NOTHING else going on in sports. Deadest day in the American sports calendar year. Sportscenter has never showed highlights on those days. Why do people think that if baseball strikes, while football season is starting up that 1. The average American will care and that 2. It will tremendously help MLS. Maybe if it happened in July or early August, but not now. Now, if the strike is still a strike next May, then yeah, it might. But, even then, it would only be a little bit. Don't get me wrong, I definitely don't think MLB striking will hurt MLS because obviously, it won't. However, we're not going to average 20,000 the rest of this season and next solely because it does, either.
There's not going to be a strike, it's a ruse by the player's union so baseball can still keep it's freshness and have people pay attention to them. They going to give in on the 29th. People know they not going to strike, it's a joke. Some times I think ESPN is in it too, because they needed more "news". While people on one show reports "strike news", people on other shows are taking about the MLB playoffs. If you look at everything done during the "negotiations", you will notice there are no major changes in how the league is. MLB does this every few years, because we all know after watching the double play more than five times on some highlight show, you'll realize there's nothing new or interesting about the double play!
Don't expect too many new MLS fans. If they strike baseball fans will just go fishing, or work on their "honey do" list, or something else. They will bitch about it, but the minute the strike is over they will all slowly come grumbling back. Strike are just a part of baseball, all baseball fans accepts this. Hey who said they were smart.
The fans won't decide if MLS gets a boost from the strike. It will be the networks. And when youv'e only got a 15 min window for adverts they won't be too excited on the prospect on showing it. They probaly show more NCCA Football or loads of NASCAR as that is the sport desinged for advertising.
keep dreaming... in the i can't see a boost in MLS attendances in the foreseable future.... even with a MLB strike
It won't make a difference. It will only hurt things. Baseball, in it's current financial form, is failing, and that's too bad (I'm a fan of baseball too). However, even if MLB strikes and disbands, it won't help MLS. Sportscenter will be filled with Strike news and rumors, and let's not forget the upcoming NBA and NFL seasons. There is plenty of news to be had there. ESPN could do a 15 minute story on Shaq's ingrown toenail, or maybe a story about the Knicks budget problems, since nobody knew that they were over the Cap. If they have any space left, I'm sure they would devote it to the NFL preseason, letting John Madden talk at length about which offensive lineman showed up to camp with the biggest manboobs. Riveting news people. Riveting news. I just don't see how MLS can displace any of those crucial stories that are simply vital to the American way of life. JMac
There will not be a strike. End of discussion. Owners and players aren't that stupid to let the baseball shutdown on the with the upcoming sept 11th anniversary. Now if Sept. 11th hadn't happened then there probably would be a strike. A last second deal will be agreed upon. SO THERE WILL BE NO MLB STRIKE!
Well, there's an image that will help me on my diet. Actually, Pething, you nailed the over-under. I would've thought that, on a saturday, this thing would've made it to page two before a moderator caught it.
To clarify my initial point. I do not believe that MLS will see an improvement overnight or this year even in fan interest--especially with football and basketball starting. But the real point is this: MLS competes against baseball as a spring/summer sport. Anything that can dissuade the interest from a competitor is a benefit. I make no illusions that die-hard or even regular baseball fans will come to MLS all of the sudden. Rather, I'm talking about those casual fans---those fans who already had an interest in soccer (kids play the sport, for example) and are now looking to spend their sports $$$ elsewhere. Let's be a little optimistic here...Baseball's loss could be soccer's gain...however slight...I'll take it. P.S.--Even if no strike occurs, the mere talk of one has certainly pissed off enough people for the above to apply...albeit on a lesser scale.
more out there than MLB It's good for MLS when there is bad press for other sports - the family who usually goes to see the Rockies goes and see the Rapids, the Mets clam becomes a Metrostars clan for a weekend. It's up to MLS to market that there is an option to MLB - and it's a great one!
Oh really. Historically, work stoppages are 9 for 9. And talks have just regressed. "Owners and players aren't that stupid.....?" C'mon now...
yall realize that a strike doesn;t matter cuz the NFL and College Football are back in town? Good bye Metros hello Giants. Good bye Chicago hello Bears and Big 10. Good by KC and Burn, hello cowboys, texans, sooner, Longhorns, and Corn huskers?
In my opinion, The only way a MLB strike helps MLS is if the strike lasts all winter and threatens the start of next season. If March/April 2003 rolls around and there is no baseball on the horizon then perhaps MLS can capitalize on disgruntled American baseball fans. Even then there is still NBA and NHL until June so... I don't see this strike doing anything but hurting both the players and the owners of MLB.
First, I love it when people (especially those with 15 posts) say "End of discussion" on a discussion board and then everybody goes on discussing whatever they were discussing anyway. Second, the A-League's Minnesota Thunder is way ahead of y'all.
Thats great what they are going to do in Minnisota, i think every MLS team in a MLB city should do something along those lines.