1. In the Klein (2008) article, he talks about "growing the game." What does that mean? How effectively has the WBC enabled baseball to "grow the game?" How would you assess the effectiveness of the WBC compared to FIFA's growth of soccer?
We understand "growing the game" to be an attempt at raising awareness of the sport, gaining popularity and viewership. Also we assume it to be a concept of increasing revenue within the sport.
The WBC is still in the early stages of its venture. So compared to FIFA, who has been years into it's project, the WBC has not been effective. However, we do not speculate about it happening in the future. The WBC has only attempted (2) classics, while FIFA has held numerous competitions.
2. At the end of the article, Klein outlines a way that could you could have global competition in baseball. How well do you think that would work? What would be pros and cons of implementing international play?
We believe, that although in theory it is brilliant, this venture will not work. Travel schedules, costs of travel, etc. would be impractical and ineffective. But there are some pros vs cons to consider. Some of the positives international competition brings would be having international competition. This global market could potentially spike interest in the sport and allow baseball to play on a ''world stage." A few cons to consider are the heavy weight of travel costs, time zone differences (for both play and broadcasting), and the varying styles of play. We also don't believe in the sport, there is a uniform level of talent to make games competitive.
3. Based upon other sports' efforts at globalization, what suggestions would you make to help baseball grow in the global marketplace?
We suggest that WBC leaders should look into expanding withing the European market. Aside from the Netherlands and Italy, baseball isn't popular or even an 'open market.' This could aide the venture in expanding to a global scale, while also creating a market for the sport.
(Repectfully submitted per Stephanie Loomis & Shawn Weimer)
We understand "growing the game" to be an attempt at raising awareness of the sport, gaining popularity and viewership. Also we assume it to be a concept of increasing revenue within the sport.
The WBC is still in the early stages of its venture. So compared to FIFA, who has been years into it's project, the WBC has not been effective. However, we do not speculate about it happening in the future. The WBC has only attempted (2) classics, while FIFA has held numerous competitions.
2. At the end of the article, Klein outlines a way that could you could have global competition in baseball. How well do you think that would work? What would be pros and cons of implementing international play?
We believe, that although in theory it is brilliant, this venture will not work. Travel schedules, costs of travel, etc. would be impractical and ineffective. But there are some pros vs cons to consider. Some of the positives international competition brings would be having international competition. This global market could potentially spike interest in the sport and allow baseball to play on a ''world stage." A few cons to consider are the heavy weight of travel costs, time zone differences (for both play and broadcasting), and the varying styles of play. We also don't believe in the sport, there is a uniform level of talent to make games competitive.
3. Based upon other sports' efforts at globalization, what suggestions would you make to help baseball grow in the global marketplace?
We suggest that WBC leaders should look into expanding withing the European market. Aside from the Netherlands and Italy, baseball isn't popular or even an 'open market.' This could aide the venture in expanding to a global scale, while also creating a market for the sport.
(Repectfully submitted per Stephanie Loomis & Shawn Weimer)
Very interesting ideas on the expansion of the game of baseball. Many of the points you made were similar to my point of view on the game. Good point on trying to exclude smaller countries that baseball isn't present there but down the road in the future would it be worth it to have a game or two in countries where there is a small baseball presence?
ReplyDeleteStephanie did a wonderful job outlining possible ways to grow the game in other countries outside of the USA. Another way baseball could grow is as a brand. To expand the "brand" of the MLB would be taking baseball to other countries. Our neighbors to the north Canada would be a great starting point. As of now Canada only has one team in Toronto for baseball, baseball could begin expansion in Canada thus getting another country involved in the MLB which would help expand the "brand" of pro-baseball. Another country where MLB could look to expand to is Mexico. Mexico currently doesn't have a team, but every time a pro sporting event from the USA is held in Mexico City, the crowds are very great. A reason that Mexico and Canada would be prime spots to expand because the cost of travel that is involved playing in these countries is very similar to the Yankees playing Seattle or LA. Whereas, MLB going global has teams paying to travel to Asia and other Pacific Rim countries.
ReplyDeleteFIFA began expanding the game, and then expanding FIFA as a brand. The expansion of the FIFA brand wasn't instant. This can be seen even in video game sales of Fifa in the USA have only spiked in the past few editions of the game, showing that Fifa wasn't as popular in the USA until relatively recently. The WBC and it's organizers should start with expanding the game, and trying to expand the game first before the brand. Expanding the game would slowly get the global game a relatively consistent skill level from all teams. As the skill level increases, as the game's popularity will begin to spread, thats when MLB and the WBC should be captializing and start growing as a "Brand."
You have all made good observations and suggestions about how the WBC could grow the game. I think the branding is important, but one thing that might be interfering with that is the fact that MLB is so heavily invested in the structure of who is invited to play. The criticisms that the process is not democratic (as in FIFA) really suggests to me that MLB should not be so closely involved with an organizational role. I also think the length of MLB's season works against the potential success of the WBC. It really is not good timing to have the tournament played during spring training.
ReplyDelete