Americans are also losing interest in what was long called the national pastime. Baseball has steadily declined in favor, with the 1994 labor stoppage representing a major marker in the erosion of fan loyalty. Baseball once held an exalted place in the pantheon of sporting diversions. It represented the spirit of the nation in many ways. By and large, the players were perceived to be wholesome, despite the 1919 Black Sox gambling scandal, the alcoholism and whoring of Babe Ruth, and systemic racism. The dream of baseball, much like the dream of American-style capitalist democracy, is that it was a game anyone could play, it was fair, but also rewarded exceptionalism. The players were hard working, blue-collar lads with a strong set of values. At least, that was the perception. (read more at vice.com)
The dog barks, and the caravan moves on.
