Are you watching this Series, Braves fans? (Didn’t think so)
We watched the night the Braves were handed this trophy, didn't we? (AJC file photo)
I was just on a Tampa radio show — primary topic: Georgia-Florida — when the host wondered if we Atlantans were watching the World Series. In a wicked combination of guess/generalization, I said I didn’t think so. (As for myself, I refuse to watch baseball on Fox. I listen on SiriusXM. But I’m of that advanced age where baseball on radio is a slice of nostalgia.)
I also believe this, and national ratings would seem to support me: Baseball has become what the skeptics used to say college basketball and college football were — a regional sport. (And didn’t we use to call it the National Pastime?) Gone are the days when you’d watch the World Series just because it was the World Series. Now there has to be a hook, and there’s really not one for us Atlantans.
(Unless you’re talking about unpleasantness. We could watch Elvis Andrus and Neftali Feliz work for the Rangers and think, “Hey, aren’t those the guys the Braves traded for Mark Teixeira?” Or we could watch the Cardinals and say, “Weren’t we leading that team by 8 1/2 games in September?” But who wants to be a masochist?)
Were the Braves in this series, we’d all be watching. Since they aren’t, we aren’t. And that’s not just the case here: That’s true in every city that lacks a dog in this fight.
Consider: In 1985, Game 5 of the World Series between St. Louis and Kansas City — two Midwestern teams in smaller markets — drew a national rating of 24.9; Game 5 of this World Series — St. Louis is again involved, along with another team from the Central Time Zone — drew an 8.8.
I blame many things for this: The failure of baseball to maximize its strengths in a medium that caters to quicker and sleeker; the failure of baseball to cultivate a younger audience back when, and the proliferation of entertainment choices, about which even baseball can do nothing. (It was a lot easier to pick the World Series as viewing fare when it was one of four options; now you’ve got 150 channels plus video on demand.)
Oh, yeah. Almost forgot. I also blame Tim McCarver.
By Mark Bradley
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214 comments Add your comment
Heisenberg
October 27th, 2011
3:33 pm
I am watching. But certainly the high quality NFL games on Sunday and Monday nights had to be responsible for taking a chunk out of the ratings. LoL – I kill me sometimes. But I do know what will take away viewers form the game tonight (at least from 10-10:30) is the premier of the new Beavis & Butthead.
aswingruber
October 27th, 2011
3:35 pm
I know of no one who actually enjoys Tim McCarver’s call of a ball game. In fact, just about every baseball fan I know who has seen a game on Fox cannot stand his idiotic and smug remarks. From reading columns like this and others, and bloggers responses, it’s obvious that fans generally hate Tim McCarver as an announcer. So how is it that Fox continues to let this guy in front of a microphone year in and year out and subject an already dwindling audience to the torture of listening to this moron???
Jim
October 27th, 2011
3:37 pm
The best things about leagues like the NFL and College Basketball is the “one and done” scenario in the postseason. It is much better than sitting through endlessly another “best of seven” playoff series, such as in the NBA, MLB, and NHL.
Zing
October 27th, 2011
3:37 pm
I’ve caught some of the games on tv– and haven’t regretted it. They’ve really been exciting games. But I’m not really following it all that closely, no.
Jim
October 27th, 2011
3:39 pm
Who still remembers the “Baseball Network” during 1995 when the Braves won it all? One of the worst ideas next to New Coke.
coach13
October 27th, 2011
3:41 pm
ENORMOUS contracts puts a bad taste in the mouth. Plus, if they had Philly and the Sox more people would watch because they are the big teams. Problem is that NYY and Boston go and spend too much on offense and not enough on pitching, the Phillies are the opposite. Nobody is going to tune in to watch CJ Wilson and Kyle Lohse.
The megateams spend a ton on one aspect and dilute the rest of the league. Plus, dynasties are a thing of the past. Players jump teams too much. You won’t see another Yankees run like the had back in the day. It’s proven, too many stars getting too much money on the same team is not a recipe for success. THerefore the rest of the product is diluted.
bulldogbubba
October 27th, 2011
3:46 pm
Clusters did you read that Washington will not guarantee “Buck Commander” Adam LaRoche a job at 1st base next year.Do you think him and Chipper will ride the pine and collect their money? Just wonderin’.I also haven’t seen any “huggin”or :fanny pattin” from the Rangers or Cards.
ATL Fan
October 27th, 2011
3:50 pm
I’ve been watching DQ to see if Sonny Clusters showed up.
MatthewH
October 27th, 2011
3:55 pm
I hate to say it, but I fear that baseball my be going the way of the NHL. That is, a very intense fanbase especially in cities that have a team, but not a national following. I say this with a great deal of sadness since baseball is and will always be my “number one” sport.
GoldenRichards
October 27th, 2011
3:56 pm
This year’s game 5 was up against MNF, whereas 1985’s game 5 was on a Thursday night in an era before Thursday night college football. There was no other sporting event on television that night.
MatthewH
October 27th, 2011
3:57 pm
sorry. my=may
Andy
October 27th, 2011
4:00 pm
I have not and will not stop watching the World Series. Even if I don’t care much about either team, the Fall Classic gives me the chills every October.
Of course, I also happen to think that Tim McCarver is the most brilliant baseball mind on the air and the Series wouldn’t be the same without his analysis (and quirks). So that probably disqualifies my opinion in the minds of most.
Abnerish
October 27th, 2011
4:10 pm
If the size of the contracts had anything to do with it, then you would see a reduction in ALL major sports, not just baseball. The largest reason for the drop in viewers is that baseball is no longer the sport that Dads hand down to their kids. I love baseball and it is reflected in my son loving baseball. But fewer and fewer people in this country love the sport and consider it nothing more than a distraction until football season starts. Quite frankly, I don’t believe MLB can do anything to change this. Just due to the nature of the sport, it is not a sport that knocks you over the head and is very much a cerebral sport. It is not a sport that can be appreciated with just a passing interest, which is why a lot of people find it boring. These people say that “nothing happens”, but they fail to realize that something is ALWAYS happening in a baseball game.
Ted M
October 27th, 2011
4:16 pm
I’m watching
PMC
October 27th, 2011
4:19 pm
Joe Buck and Tim McCarver have to be the two least liked major broadcasters in sports. I can’t think of a single individual anywhere I’ve ever met that likes either one.
I do like Baseball on the radio, but seriously Mark. NOTHING about this WS is interesting. It has virtually 0 gravitas. I’m personally pulling for Texas, but remembering great WS gone by, this is probably a pretty good one, I’m just not interested in the least. I’ll watch maybe an inning or so. I’ve been watching AWFUL NFL games (last monday) over the WS.
MitchC
October 27th, 2011
4:20 pm
I’m not watching this series, Mark.
I dont recall if I ever told you that I live in PA, and am originally from the NYC area, but have been a Braves fan for 28 yrs due to the cable TV.
In spite of what happened to the Braves,.., had the Phillies.. or Yankees.,.been in this series, either against each other, or one of them against another team, then I would be watching. It isnt just the idea of what happened with the Cards catching the Braves. The reality is, few people outside of STL and Dallas metro care what happens in this series.
The networks for their ratings would have wanted a Phillies-Yankees, or Yankees-Braves World Series. Alas, they didnt get their wish.
I hope that the Rangers can finish the Cards, just so the team that the Braves got beat out by, cant be World Champs. However, if that doesnt happen, it wont really matter to me. My next meaningful game will be sometime next April, whenever the Braves firat game is.
UKUGA
October 27th, 2011
4:20 pm
I’m watching. Always do. Hoping and praying that this is McCarver’s last WS.
Ted M
October 27th, 2011
4:20 pm
Mark – Did cheer when Dion Sanders doused McCarver with gatorade? McCarver was pissed but it was pretty funny.
UKUGA
October 27th, 2011
4:22 pm
BTW, You just know Joe Buck is warming up his vocal chords for “See you tomorrow night.”
Forced, of course, and not natural and impactful like his father.
Ted M
October 27th, 2011
4:24 pm
oops
Mark – Did “you” cheer
UKUGA
October 27th, 2011
4:24 pm
Jim,
I remember the Baseball Network well. They had the great idea of moving every Saturday game to 8:00 Eastern and showing everyone the team from their local market. How novel?
ABC used the strike to get out of that monstrosity, leaving it in the hands of NBC and Costas, who ended up announcing the Braves world championship.
eastbound and down
October 27th, 2011
4:45 pm
I grew tired of Tim McCarver when he was the Mets announcer on WOR and he has grown worse over the years. not only does he beat a dead horse until there is nothing left but bones, but he has been wrong on several occasions when discussing a game.
J-Man
October 27th, 2011
4:57 pm
How about Tim McCarver is up for the Ford Frick award……..And will probably get it. That makes me mad espically because
SKIP DESERVES IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Also the main reason we aint watching this world series is basically sour grapes. Were watching Texas with a bunch of Braves Prospects go up against the team that took our playoff spot. And we see our owners and management do nothing essentially about it and I don’t see any big trades or free agent signings coming so expect a sharp decline in attandance next year.
just a fan
October 27th, 2011
4:58 pm
I never thought I would see “Tim McCarver” and “insight” in the same sentence. McCarver is awful but I still watch the world series regardless of who is playing because I love baseball. (but then I would stop to watch kids playing baseball in a vacant lot if kids still did that) And this year the games have been close and exciting except for the one blow out. In my opinion if you only watch if “your team” is playing you are not really a baseball fan.
Get rid of Gonzalaz
October 27th, 2011
4:58 pm
How about Tim McCarver is up for the Ford Frick award……..And will probably get it. That makes me mad espically because
SKIP DESERVES IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Also the main reason we aint watching this world series is basically sour grapes. Were watching Texas with a bunch of Braves Prospects go up against the team that took our playoff spot. And we see our owners and management do nothing essentially about it and I don’t see any big trades or free agent signings coming so expect a sharp decline in attandance next year. And Fire Fredi!!!!!!!!
Get rid of Gonzalaz
October 27th, 2011
4:59 pm
why are my post not showing up
dean
October 27th, 2011
5:00 pm
Isn’t “Poirot” on tonight? Or is it “Doc Martin”?
Don in TN
October 27th, 2011
5:00 pm
Yes, I’m watching. Don’t like Tim Mc either, but after the WS, there’s no more baseball until spring. Also like watching Andrus, Feliz, and Harrison. Sort of like a fascination with the old girl friend that got away, I guess.
GT Alum
October 27th, 2011
5:05 pm
I’ve watched the playoffs in previous years after the Braves got eliminated, but the collapse this year killed my enthusiasm for baseball. And as you stated, this year’s WS combatants offer reminders of the Braves’ missteps.
1969 Atlanta Braves
October 27th, 2011
5:10 pm
McCarver is just an ole Cardinal & a ole Phillie, he was Steve Carltons personal catcher, he is true baseball, however eastbound is right he will beat that horse into the ground and is really boring, and we have not watched a game the whole series. Looking toward the 2012 Braves………..
GT Alum
October 27th, 2011
5:10 pm
aswingruber -
It’s Fox. Do you really need any further explanation?
extremus
October 27th, 2011
5:23 pm
You’re dead on with your assessment on this one, Mr. Bradley. Neither I now any of my family have watched a minute of the playoffs or World Series; the same goes for any pro sports playoffs where an Atlanta team isn’t involved; I mean, as a fan of the Braves or Falcons, what’s the point unless you like feeling embittered?
Hillbilly D
October 27th, 2011
5:26 pm
There are those who just watch a particular team and then there are those who love the game of baseball. Me, I love baseball. I watch some Major League games but I watch just as many minor league games on the computer and now, I’m watching Winter League games on the computer, most nights. They are hard to find but they are there.
All in all, I think this World Series has been a pretty good one. Pitching has been good, mostly. The thing to do if you don’t like McCarver (personally the thought of him broadcasting makes me want to heave), just turn down the sound and watch the game. If you’re at the ballpark, there’s no play by play. Like I said, I watch Winter Ball, all the time and don’t speak Spanish. You can tell what’s going on without play by play. It ain’t brain surgery, it’s just baseball.
A lot of the people who don’t watch the Series just because their team isn’t there are the same ones who refer to their team’s manager as “the head coach”. They aren’t baseball fans, anyway.
Skeezix
October 27th, 2011
5:27 pm
Mark: I have been watching some of it and following along more closely in the newspapers. Pujols is reason enough to watch, but like you, I can’t stand to listen to McCarver. And, yes, I have lamented over the Texieira trade many times.
Hillbilly D
October 27th, 2011
5:28 pm
MB
If you’re around, my previous post seems to be lost in cyber-space. No bad words, I swear.
Herschel Talker
October 27th, 2011
5:35 pm
MB:
Heck no, I aint watching.
HT
mark
October 27th, 2011
5:35 pm
ABSOLUTELY watching! This has been a great series all the way around!
Joey
October 27th, 2011
5:36 pm
I decided to watch, and I’m shocked! I find it amazing to watch multi-millionaires who don’t choke in World Series.
And I thought it was normal for players to hit half of their regular season averages in the playoffs!?!
Hillbilly D
October 27th, 2011
5:37 pm
Attempt Number 2
There are those who just watch a particular team and then there are those who love the game of baseball. Me, I love baseball. I watch some Major League games but I watch just as many minor league games on the computer and now, I’m watching Winter League games on the computer, most nights. They are hard to find but they are there.
All in all, I think this World Series has been a pretty good one. Pitching has been good, mostly. The thing to do if you don’t like McCarver (personally the thought of him broadcasting makes me want to heave), just turn down the sound and watch the game. If you’re at the ballpark, there’s no play by play. Like I said, I watch Winter Ball, all the time and don’t speak Spanish. You can tell what’s going on without play by play. It ain’t brain surgery, it’s just baseball.
A lot of the people who don’t watch the Series just because their team isn’t there are the same ones who refer to their team’s manager as “the head coach”. They aren’t baseball fans, anyway.
Sir Stealth
October 27th, 2011
5:52 pm
The Feliz/Andrus comments are so annoying. Sometimes you take a reasonable risk and it doesn’t result in a championship – I wish people would just get over it.
I consider myself a diehard Braves fan and haven’t been able to watch the postseason at all. After all of the investment in the marathon 162 game season, it’s really hard to go forward and watch more when your team’s not in it, especially if they’re not in it due to a painful collapse.
Bob
October 27th, 2011
5:55 pm
This WS shows the importance of a good manager. Texas doesn’t have the big name athletes (the core group are compliments of JS and the Braves), but their mgr has them winning…so does St Louis. The Braves certainly had the talent on the field; however, it was either missused or mismanaged. This should have been the Braves WS if Wren gad hired someone other than a Cox clone.
LawDawg
October 27th, 2011
5:57 pm
Mark, thank you for being one of the few members of the sports media fraternity that will call a spade a spade and openly state that Tim McCarver is an abomination (I may be paraphrasing you there).
Heath
October 27th, 2011
6:09 pm
If they shortened games to 7 innings I’d watch, but nowadays the last three innings take 90 minutes because a starter goes at most 6 innings and then 37 relievers pitch to one hitter a piece. Boring.
BRAVESFAN
October 27th, 2011
6:14 pm
I’ll be watching because it’s a long time until spring training.
jazzward10
October 27th, 2011
6:26 pm
Enter your comments here
Bernard
October 27th, 2011
6:29 pm
you may also blame Fredi G., Frank Wren, D. lowe, its so funny I’ve forgotten the name of most of the other non achievers on this “team” which is areflection of their very forgettable NON-PERFORMANCE…but alas poor Yorick, the Cardinals may suffer the same bitter end…GO RANGERS!!…yeah can you believe we traded away those players for that block head Tex whatever his name is?
jazzward10
October 27th, 2011
6:35 pm
I watch it because im a big baseball fan.I wished the Braves was in it,but i still watch it.The Braves will be back in it within the next 2 years.Too much good pitching coming along and 2 guys that will be studs in Freeman and Heyward to go along with Mac and Uggla.Need to sign Bourn to an extension and we have Pastornicky coming along plus a strong bullpen.The future looks good.
yunel asscobar
October 27th, 2011
6:54 pm
Absolutely watching and surprised that the sports section of a major metro area paper/website has writers who promote not watching unless the home team is involved. Seems classless at first blush.
There are those who love the game, watch every WS game possible, and find this series to be filled with excitement.
As bad as you make McCarver out to be, he’s light years ahead of Chip Carey. LaRussa has major detractors, yet he’s so far beyond anything F Gonzalez brings to the team in terms of a value add that it’s not even comparable.
1985 vs 2011? Try the fact that television is now calling all the shots. Kids once grew up loving the game and eagerly anticipating the series – one that they could actually watch due to reasonable start/finish times.
Buzziswiser
October 27th, 2011
6:54 pm
Drove by the Ted yesterday and could not help think that if the Braves had held up their end, I would not have to deal with FOX or McCarver. Or a rainout as the weather was fine. Actually think Buck does a good job though not up to his Dad’s standard. ” I can’t believe what I just saw.”
dave
October 27th, 2011
7:01 pm
I am watching and rooting for Texas, they drafted the paralyzed UGA player. However, if St. Louis wins they should really give the Braves a small cut for choking so bad!