How to Understand Why Football has Usurped Baseball as America's National Pastime

Baseball still claims to be the national pastime of America. But television ratings scream otherwise. Most observers agree that football now holds that distinction. There's little doubt that it has overtaken baseball as the most popular sport in the United States. Several factors come to mind.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. Know the changes in the American mindset since the 1970s. We live in a faster paced world. Americans are naturally going to lean toward a faster paced game.

2. Remember that the youth of America determines the popularity of a particular sport. And the youth crave action. Though both sports are marred by long periods of non-action, the sport of football features far more of the quick movement and physical contact enjoyed by American youth.

3. 
   Here's some action ... but is there enough?

   Consider that Americans love scoring, which is why they haven't fully embraced soccer at the professional level. Though more runs are being scored in baseball than they were in the 1960s and 1970s, football features more scoring and more ways to score--safeties, field goals, two-point conversions, touchdowns and extra points. In baseball, the only way to score is to stomp on home plate.

4. Think about the American passion for physical contact. Younger American especially admire those who can take a hit and bounce back up. Physical contact is far more prevalent on the gridiron than on the baseball diamond.

5. Dissect the changes that have taken place in major league baseball. Strikes and scandals have rocked the sport. Baseball players are paid far more than football players despite less of a risk of serious injury and are considered by many to be prima donnas. The job of playing professional football is simply more admired than that of playing professional baseball.

Tips & Warnings

• Don't be so quick to judge. Take a few deep breaths, slow down, and attend a major league baseball game. Appreciate its intricacies and the skill level of its participants. Don't even compare baseball with football. Just enjoy them both for what they have to offer.
• If you're sitting in foul ball territory, watch out! Line drives can be deadly!

[StreetBloggers]

on 11/10/2008 People love violence.?