FIXING THE WORLD SERIES

BY DAN MILLER
October 31, 2006

Is it just me, or is the appeal of the fall classic gradually fading?
This year's World Series drew the smallest television audience in the history of the event.... considerably lower than last year, which previously held the distinction of being the least watched series. Do I detect the trend here?

When I was in junior high school, the series was so big and important, the school principal would play the radio broadcast of the game on the classroom speakers so everyone could hear it.
Can you imagine such a thing nowadays?

The weather might be one of the problems.
Prior to about the 1970s, the World Series was played almost a month earlier than now.
These days, the weather is often cold and unpredictable by the time the series rolls around.
And, truthfully, the two league championship series are usually more appealing than the actual World Series.

So here's my solution..... guaranteed.
Change the whole thing.
Take a lesson from this country's single most popular sporting event.... football's Super Bowl.

The "New" World Series would consist of the two league championship series (each shortened to best 2 out of 3 games)... followed by the "World Series Super Game."

The World Series Super Game would be one game.... played in a neutral city and stadium (hopefully a covered stadium).... and played on a Sunday evening.

The game would follow a week long buildup, called World Series Super Game Week, filled with parties, entertainment, Hollywood celebrities, media hype, shameless excesses and plenty of hoopla.... just like the Super Bowl.
Even if you hadn't followed the two teams all season, by the end of the week you'd know every player involved, and you'd know what the experts had to say about each team's prospects.... just like the Super Bowl.

The game itself would be a true "super game".... 14 innings long.... with an expanded, spectacular 7th inning stretch, featuring big name singers and entertainment.... maybe even Janet Jackson or Paul McCartney.

Part of the fun would be the innovative commercials.... just like the Super Bowl.

The 14 innings would ensure that no one pitcher could dominate the game, and would allow that "anything could happen".... even late in the game.

I'm telling you..... Americans everywhere would plan their weekend around such an event.

I know the odds are not in my favor, but if I'm ever elected Commissioner of Major League Baseball, this will be taken under serious advisement.

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