The MLB has the best All Star game in sports, so the fact that they have a selection show is somewhat pointless. It doesn’t need any more hype.
Seriously, how many people are going to purposely sit down to watch the MLB All Star selection show? Tuning in accidentally or in an unplanned manner is all fine and dandy, and believe you me, that is nothing to be ashamed about.
Between the Matlock reruns, the infomercials and the worst of the worst movies ever made (Snakes on a Plane, anyone?), there is very little worthwhile television to watch on a Sunday afternoon. All of us would understand if you were to be scanning channels, ran across the selection show and spent a few minutes of your afternoon watching in “suspense” as the “drama” unfolded before your very eyes.
That scenario is likely, but who in their right mind purposely sits down to watch the MLB All Star selection show?
If I were to pick up the phone, call up my bro’s and invite them to an exciting afternoon of All Star game selection they would probably disown me.
Me: Hey guys, so here’s the plan. Come on over, we’ll put some steaks on the grill, play a little Frisbee, and then when the time is right we’ll pull the TV outside and enjoy the excitement of the selection show. Heck, feel free to bring your girlfriends and wives too, I’m sure they’ll love it.
Bro’s: Uhh…click…
The point that I’m trying to make here—it’s just pointless.
There’s plenty to gripe about with the MLB—their unwillingness to completely accept instant replay, horrible calls by umpires and the snail’s pace of many games—but if there’s one thing they do better than anyone else, it’s their All Star game.
At the very least, it’s watchable.
The NFL’s Pro Bowl has guys walking through plays at Tai Chi speed or quarterbacks kicking field goals. The NBA’s All-Star game is generally void of anything that resembles defense.
In contrast, MLB has done a great job of giving their players something to play for—home field advantage in the World Series.
This usually leads to players giving it their all, especially players on the better teams in the latter innings. They know that if their team makes the World Series, their play in the All Star game could drastically impact their chances.
This leads to better overall play, which leads to a good viewing experience for the fans.
The MLB All Star game doesn’t need additional hype—it’s good as it is. While most All Star games in sports have become unwatchable spectacles, the MLB has found a way to keep theirs relevant. They don’t need to do anything more than that.
Instead of a ridiculous selection show, why not just put the roster online, give it a few minutes of TV time on ESPN and the MLB Network, and of course let Twitter and the individual teams take care of the rest of the hype.
I’m not sure why there has to be a show where every selection is surrounded by drama, over-analysis and talking heads. Just keep it simple, and let’s get to the game.
It’s much more efficient, and it’s far less silly.
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