I watched a lot more basketball when I was much younger (much younger: Karl Malone-John Stockton era Jazz was my thing), so my sense of the game is undoubtedly very different than folks who’ve been watching obsessively for many years. I tune into a few games during the playoffs, in part because the drama is fun, and in part because I like to be in on the conversation. It’s remarkable to me how different the game is than it was even, what, ten years ago? The mid-range jumper and posting up are completely gone from the game, sacrificed at the alter of analytics that strongly favor good three-point shooting and slashing drives.
I wouldn’t say the game is any better or worse for it – at least to my eye – but it does make me think about baseball fans who’ve been in and out over the decades, and now find the game wholly unrecognizable. With the meteoric rise of velocity, strikeouts, walks, and home runs, the experience of watching baseball is so much different than it was 20+ years ago.
The Cubs, the Indians, and what might have been. Featuring some raw honesty about Game 7 from Cody Allen and others. https://t.co/NDlNvlkjY2 @MLB #Cubs #Indians pic.twitter.com/gRw38KumgR
— Anthony Castrovince (@castrovince) April 24, 2018
The secret to Javy Báez’s flashy, fast, flamboyant style of play? “He slows it down.” @PJ_Mooney: https://t.co/jEHSsgLf26
— The Athletic (@TheAthleticCHI) April 23, 2018
Thoughts on Almora and Catch Probability, Rizzo's slow start and Schwarber's hot one. https://t.co/MrwxsdhtWO
— Sahadev Sharma (@sahadevsharma) April 24, 2018
CRAFT BEER NIGHT: Sample over 60 different beers from around the region. Package includes sampling, All-You-Can-Eat Hot Dog Buffet, #SBCubs game ticket and a souvenir beer glass. Call 574-235-9988 to order. You must be 21 and older or purchase. #Beer #CraftBeer pic.twitter.com/A34PXGyAVB
— South Bend Cubs (@SBCubs) April 24, 2018