Interleague baseball has been great for the game and fun for the fans. However, there is a possibility that it might have run its course and occasional marquee match ups like the Yankees and Dodgers might not be enough. Joe Madden of the Tampa Bay Rays hinted that the novelty may be over.
“I think in the beginning it was an idea that fans kind of got into and it was kind of interesting,” Maddon told the St. Petersburg Times. “I don’t know that it’s interesting any more.”
With that in mind there should be more interleague match ups that would be interesting to the fans and should be fixated into the schedule. Here are some of the sexy series showdowns that would help interleague baseball.
Arizona Diamondbacks vs. Tampa Bay Rays
These two teams are tied together by both being expansion teams in 1998.
The Arizona Diamondbacks won their only World Series in 2001 while the Tampa Bay Rays lost their only World Series in 2008.
They also share the very talented Upton brothers who occupy the outfield. Older bro B.J. is with the Rays while baby bro Justin is with the D’Backs.
Arizona Diamondbacks vs. New York Yankees
One of the most epic World Series showdowns in history were between the New York Yankees and the Arizona Diamondbacks. It was a World Series that the Yankees were supposed to win not because they’ve won the last three Fall Classics but because for the city of New York who was recovering from the 9/11 attacks that will live in infamy and they lost.
Chicago Cubs vs. Boston Red Sox
There was a time when these two teams had a lot in common.
The Boston Red Sox had the curse of the Bambino.
The Chicago Cubs had the curse of the billy goat.
The Red Sox have two World Series championships.
The Cubs have the curse of the scapegoat.
Even though the Red Sox have more in common with New York’s Evil Empire than Chicago’s favorite batch of incompetents, there is still a mystic to the series.
Miami Marlins vs. New York Yankees
A World Series rematch from 2003, this was one of those Fall Classics that was probably underrated and unappreciated. It may have went unnoticed if the Yankees were to win.
After this year they will be the Miami Marlins with a new stadium and a new identity, making it another interesting Miami vs. New York showdown. It would be cool to have the Marlins play the New York Mets first before entering interleague play with the New York Yankees.
Miami Marlins vs. Los Angeles Angels
It doesn’t look like a marquee matchup now but a showdown between the two most sexiest cities in the country would definitely bring in the ratings. Especially considering that both teams are always in contention.
Tampa Bay Rays vs. Philadelphia Phillies
People don’t know just how far of a city sports rivalry Philadelphia and Tampa have without being in the same division for any team. Here are some of the highlights.
2002 NFC Championship Game TB Buccaneers over Phi Eagles (TB wins Super Bowl)
2003 season opener TB Buccaneers over Phi Eagles (first game of the Linc)
2004 Stanley Cup Eastern Conference finals TB Lightning over Phi Flyers (TB wins Cup)
2006 Matt Bryant kicks second longest field goal to beat Eagles
2008 Phillies beat Tampa Bay Rays to win 2nd World Series in team history
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