If you build it, they will come… except the Yankees won’t be making the trip to Iowa this year to play in the “Field of Dreams” game, as well as the first-ever game in the state as the St. Louis Cardinals have now been named the new team.
The Yankees were originally slated to play against the White Sox for one game in Iowa. Due to the realigned schedules, the Yankees will not be playing the White Sox this year, whereas the Cardinals are. This is a fundamental reason as to why the Cardinals got the gig. Plus, the drive is just over five hours from St. Louis to Dyersville, which limits long travel.
The game will still be played on Aug. 13 on the former set of the movie starring Kevin Costner. A temporary 8,000 capacity stadium will be built to resemble Comiskey Park, the White Sox’ former stadium. The remaining two games of the series will be played in Chicago.
Although the move seems relatively harmless to many, there are still several components of the decision that could be worrisome. Rob Manfred is deciding to still go through with playing this game instead of moving it to next season. but for what reasons? The game is scheduled to be played on the 31st anniversary of the movie, not even the 30th. So why don’t we just wait for the celebratory 32nd anniversary?
If the game can be played on the intended date, no fans will be allowed in attendance due to social distancing guidelines and restrictions on crowd gatherings.
So what could this possibly mean for baseball as a whole? The results are not shocking, but obvious.
MLB was the last major sports league to finalize a plan of action for their season. Due to the constant waiting, many fans grew impatient and took on the mentality of “no season, no loss.” Some of these fans will change their stance now that a season will be underway in less than three weeks, but some may never return.
The NBA is scheduled to resume regular season play beginning July 30 with the playoffs starting sometime in mid-August, surely beating out baseball in ratings. The NFL will also begin their preseason right around mid-August, which is expected to dominate the sports television ratings.
Even if baseball was able to agree on a season before the NBA or NFL did, these two sports leagues would lead the way in viewers. It is a simple matter of baseball not being as popular as football and basketball.
It seems as if this game is a cry for help, and the help is gaining ratings. Baseball is in serious trouble and will be in desperate need of high ratings as much as possible. This game is a prime example.
