Abstract

Major League Baseball has long been considered America’s pastime, but recently, it has faced significant challenges to its popularity. This thesis examines the complex trajectory of Major League Baseball over the last few years, tracking the factors contributing to its decline and the new bold strategies that have fueled and can fuel its comeback. The decline in popularity can be attributed to several factors, including but not limited to the perceived slow pace of the game, different entertainment preferences, and a new focus on analytics and statistics. These factors have all played roles in diminishing its appeal, especially among the older generations. This thesis looks into these factors, highlighting the impact of waning cultural relevance and finding counter factors that could bring back fans and place baseball back into the American limelight. In fact, these factors have already begun to appear. As recently as these last few months, Major League Baseball has embarked on a journey to regain its footing in the American sports landscape using new techniques and promotions. New rules that implement pace-of-play changes like the pitch clock, new fan engagement efforts through promoting a certain style of play, a new international influx of talented players, and one of the best years for rookie debuts have all contributed to breathing new life into the sport.

Semester/Year of Award

Fall 11-27-2023

Mentor

Joel Cormier

Mentor Department Affiliation

Exercise and Sport Science

Access Options

Open Access Thesis

Document Type

Bachelor Thesis

Degree Name

Honors Scholars

Degree Level

Bachelors

Department

Exercise and Sport Science

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