Where Have You Gone Joe DiMaggio?: The Decline of Baseball in America

Where have you gone, Joe DiMaggio?
Our nation turns its lonely eyes to you.

Recently, Mark McGwire was once again kept out of the Hall of Fame by the Baseball Writers’ Association of America. I, like many fellow MLB fans, believe beyond a shadow of a doubt that McGwire used steroids and rejoice in his rejection from the Hall.

Unfortunately, the task of that rejection has fallen to writers and media members instead of Major League Baseball. MLB never completely and properly addressed the steroid era, and utterly failed to take action to nip it in the bud.

The endless parade of alleged steroid users only echoes the larger picture of baseball’s sad state in America. The last 15 years have seen the importance of professional baseball enter a tailspin.

The strike of 1994 decimated the image and popularity of the sport. The great bond once experienced between fans and their heroes on the diamond has been shattered. Today’s baseball players lack the passion and swagger that once made the greatest of the greats household names.

The average American no longer connects with baseball as we once did, and although attendance numbers haven’t shown significant change, TV ratings for the World Series have plummeted over the last 20 years.

America’s national pastime has passed on from baseball, and the United States’ dominance in the sport is a thing of the past. The NFL and college football have left Major League Baseball in the dust in almost every way imaginable, except perhaps in salary. Maybe there’s a correlation?

Just when we thought baseball might be saved by the gripping home-run race of 1998, the impressive feat turned bitter as steroid use came to light.

In spite of all the problems and failings of Major League Baseball, I will always love the sport and believe that role models and heroes will continue to step forth from the game. Unfortunately, it will be up to the Baseball Writers of America to tell us whether we should look up to them as great players, or down on them as cheaters.

What's that you say, Mrs. Robinson?
Joltin' Joe has left and gone away.