Baseball in the Olympics

[Cardfan]

Obviously it doesn't work. The world's greatest players are busy this time of year. But given the game's popularity around the world and the obscurity of some of the events included in the games, why not play it indoors during the Winter Games? Hell, they play basketball in the summer and that has worked out well.

 

No it's not about bodybuilding...neither is 75% of this board.

[kh300]

well professionals cant play in the olympics. all of the college players are free during the summer. so it makes much more sense to do it in the summer.

[Bluto]

where else is baseball popular? isnt it just popular in japan ?

[Cardfan]

I'm not sure 'bout that. Pro basketball players play. Even if that is a rule, what I suggested requires ammending the rules so...

Think of the awesome teams countries like U.S., D.R., Venezuela, Cuba, Japan, etc. could field.

[Bluto]

my only experience with baseball was the baseball furies in the warriors
maybe they can put that scenario as part of the olympics i'd watch that

[Cardfan]

my only experience with baseball was the baseball furies in the warriors
maybe they can put that scenario as part of the olympics i'd watch that

Probably the hands down most popular event.

[rk272727]

great chest workout today pecs are on fire

[Ron]

You wont have to worry about Baseball nor Softball in the Olympics anymore after this year.

[timfogarty]

Baseball was part of the 2004 Olympics in Athens.

Cuba beat Australia for the gold

Japan beat Canada for the bronze

other countries where baseball is big is Taiwan, Venezuela, Mexico, all of the Caribbean, Central America

[Cardfan]

Baseball was part of the 2004 Olympics in Athens.

Cuba beat Australia for the gold

Japan beat Canada for the bronze

other countries where baseball is big is Taiwan, Venezuela, Mexico, all of the Caribbean, Central America

My point exactly. Baseball in winter olympics = worlds greatest players bringing more gold to U.S.

[kh300]

My point exactly. Baseball in winter olympics = worlds greatest players bringing more gold to U.S.

the greatest U.S. payers are in the major leagues or playing professional. meaning they cannot qualify for the olympics. so now your left with the best college players who are starting their seasons. thats why baseball needs to be played in the summer events.

[Cardfan]

Why can they not qualify for the olympics? Pro basketball players qualify. I'm not even sure there is a rule against pro's in this sport. MLB players participated in the world cup or world championships or whatever a couple of years ago and that was in the spring. Play it in the winter olympics. Change the rules (if even necessary) to allow MLB players in. Biggest event in the winter games.

[mcb650]

Not sure how popular it is among adults, but I remember watching the Netherlands play in the Little League World Series. It's also popular in South Korea, Taiwan, and it's getting more popular in China as well.

[Cardfan]

Exactly. Much better spectator sport than curling or speed skating. There is a huge following in Latin America and Asia.

[Jeffro]

the greatest U.S. payers are in the major leagues or playing professional. meaning they cannot qualify for the olympics. so now your left with the best college players who are starting their seasons. thats why baseball needs to be played in the summer events.

But most of the best players in the world come to play in the U.S. anyway.  So in actuality alot of the teams in the olympics are watered down.  Olympic baseball is really pointless.

[onlyme]

where else is baseball popular? isnt it just popular in japan ?

Cuba, Puerto Rico, Mexico, Japan, China all love baseball.

[Cardfan]

Okay. Pay attention. Play it in the WINTER OLYMPICS. In case you aren't aware, this is the offseason for MLB. World's greatest players will be free to compete for their home country. Professional baseball players are eligible to compete, and the list of countries that dig on our national past time is extensive. See above posts.