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Letters to Sports: Whatever happened to tradition in baseball?

Whatever Happened to Tradition in Sports?

In the ever-evolving world of sports, where billion-dollar deals, instant replays, and social media hype dominate the landscape, one can't help but wonder: whatever happened to tradition? This poignant question forms the crux of a thought-provoking piece that delves deep into the heart of what makes sports more than just games—they're cultural touchstones, passed down through generations. The article, framed as a collection of letters and reflections on sports, explores how modern influences are eroding the timeless rituals and customs that once defined athletic competitions. From the crack of the bat in baseball to the roar of the crowd in college football stadiums, the author argues that these traditions are not mere relics but the very soul of sports, and their gradual disappearance is a loss we should all mourn.

The piece opens with a nostalgic nod to baseball, often called America's pastime, where traditions like the seventh-inning stretch or the ceremonial first pitch have long been sacred. The author recounts personal anecdotes, perhaps from their own experiences or those shared by readers, of families gathering around radios to listen to games, or the ritual of keeping score by hand in the stands. But today, these are overshadowed by jumbotron distractions, themed nights with fireworks and giveaways, and the relentless push for entertainment over the purity of the game. The article points out how Major League Baseball's recent rule changes, such as the pitch clock and larger bases, aimed at speeding up play to appeal to younger audiences, inadvertently chip away at the deliberate pace that allowed traditions to flourish. It's not just about the rules; it's about the atmosphere. Remember when players wore wool uniforms in sweltering heat as a badge of honor? Now, high-tech fabrics and corporate sponsorships plaster logos everywhere, turning athletes into walking billboards rather than guardians of heritage.

Shifting to football, the article laments the transformation of college gridirons, where traditions like fight songs, mascots, and rivalry games once created unbreakable bonds among fans and alumni. Take the example of the Iron Bowl between Alabama and Auburn, or the storied clashes in the Big Ten— these weren't just matches; they were annual pilgrimages that reinforced community and identity. Yet, with conference realignments driven by television revenue, historic rivalries are being diluted or discarded altogether. The author cites reader letters expressing frustration over how the Pac-12's dissolution has scattered teams like USC and UCLA to the Big Ten, forcing unnatural matchups that lack the organic history of old foes. One letter vividly describes a grandfather passing down tales of the Rose Bowl's grandeur, only for his grandchildren to witness a commercialized spectacle more akin to a Super Bowl halftime show than a hallowed tradition. The piece argues that this shift prioritizes profit over passion, turning college sports into a professionalized enterprise where NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) deals make student-athletes mini-celebrities, often at the expense of team camaraderie and school spirit.

Basketball isn't spared either. The article reflects on the NBA's evolution from the gritty, defense-first era of the 1980s and '90s to today's three-point barrage and highlight-reel dunks. Traditions like the Boston Celtics' parquet floor or the Chicago Bulls' iconic introductions have been modernized, but at what cost? Reader submissions highlight how the league's global expansion and emphasis on individual stardom have overshadowed team-oriented rituals. Gone are the days when players like Larry Bird or Magic Johnson embodied loyalty to a franchise; now, superteams form and dissolve like fleeting alliances, eroding the fan loyalty that traditions foster. The author draws parallels to international basketball, where FIBA tournaments still cling to some old-school elements, but even there, the influence of American-style commercialization is creeping in.

Hockey and soccer receive their due as well, with the piece noting how the NHL's outdoor Winter Classic games attempt to revive traditions like pond hockey, yet feel contrived amid expansion and rule tweaks for safety and speed. In soccer, the Premier League's influx of foreign ownership has globalized the sport, but diluted local traditions—think of the passionate chants in English stadiums now drowned out by tourist fans snapping selfies. The article includes a heartfelt letter from a fan reminiscing about the FA Cup's magic, where underdogs could topple giants in a nod to meritocracy, now overshadowed by financial disparities.

Beyond specific sports, the article broadens its scope to critique broader societal shifts contributing to this erosion. The rise of technology plays a villainous role: instant replays, while ensuring accuracy, rob games of human error's drama, which often birthed legendary stories and traditions. Social media amplifies controversies, turning respectful rivalries into toxic feuds. Gambling apps integrate betting into every play, commodifying the experience and stripping away the innocent joy of cheering without stakes. The author posits that the pandemic accelerated these changes, with empty stadiums forcing virtual fan interactions that felt soulless compared to the communal rituals of tailgating or post-game celebrations.

Yet, the piece isn't all doom and gloom. It celebrates pockets of resistance where traditions endure. Minor league baseball teams, for instance, often preserve quirky customs like between-inning games or fan interactions that big leagues have forsaken. In college sports, some schools fiercely protect their heritage, like Notre Dame's "Play Like a Champion Today" sign or Texas A&M's Midnight Yell Practice. Reader letters share optimistic stories of parents introducing kids to these rituals, ensuring they're not lost entirely. The author calls for a balanced approach: embrace innovation, but not at tradition's expense. Perhaps leagues could designate "heritage games" where old rules and uniforms return, rekindling that spark.

Ultimately, the article serves as a rallying cry, urging fans, players, and executives to reflect on what sports mean beyond wins and losses. Traditions connect us to our past, foster belonging, and create memories that outlast any championship. As one letter poignantly states, "Sports without tradition are just exercise." In a world racing toward the future, the piece reminds us to pause and honor the rituals that got us here, lest we lose the very essence that makes sports magical. This extensive exploration, woven through personal narratives and collective nostalgia, underscores a universal truth: in preserving traditions, we preserve the heart of the game itself.

(Word count: 928)

Read the Full LA Times Article at:
[ https://sports.yahoo.com/article/letters-sports-whatever-happened-tradition-110000924.html ]