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I certainly hope that baseball isn't a dying sport because I still enjoy going out to the ballpark. However, I can see how someone would make that argument given the climate of sports today. Still, baseball has remained very profitable and popular, despite some challenges and setbacks. In addition, it has shown itself to be an extremely resilient sport as it has survived world wars, work stoppages, and scandals such as a current steroid issue. Just for the sake of argument we'll assume that baseball is a dying sport. Here is what might be contributing to its slow, painful death.

LOVE THE GAME, BUT IT IS SLOW

I am not one to complain about the pace of baseball. I have been a fan since I was a kid and I still find baseball compelling, particularly post-season baseball. However, I can see where someone would find it a bit slow. The players do a lot of standing around between bits of action. The batter takes his own sweet time getting ready to hit, and after the pitch he has to step out and adjust every part of his body before taking another pitch. When pitchers are replaced, most of the players have to congregate on the mound for some reason while the overweight manager plods out onto the field. Despite the fact that I enjoy it, I'm sure some would find it rather boring.

NEW SPORTS ON THE HORIZON

Despite baseball's place in American history, there is nothing that guarantees it's success in future generation. It is quite possible that the next generation will abandon all the major sports (baseball, football, basketball) in favor of new, more exciting sports. The newer sports that might gain more popularity are the X-Games and Mixed Martial Arts (MMA). It would be foolish of us to assume that the next generation will like the same things that we do.

Overall, I think it is a bit early to declare baseball dead. But, if the sport is going to continue being successful over the next few decades, it may need to make a few changes to draw a new fan base. Because of this, the baseball "purists" might have accept that in order to survive, baseball must change with the times.

Learn more about this author, Todd Pheifer.
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