As we prepare for the All Star game in Los Angeles, Bud Selig and Major League Baseball have had to answer the question if Arizona should get its All Star game taken away after a new immigration bill has sparked controversy. Despite what anybody thinks of the law (if you think I’ll discuss my views I’m sorry, this is a sports blog. Google search “political blogs” if you want more commentary on US Law) the game should not be pulled, and the 2011 All Star game should remain where it was selected.
First some reasons are obvious. If MLB pulled the game to punish the state for a law they see as un-American, innocent people would be punished as well. Plenty of people would agree with MLB’s stance and want to see the game anyway. And I doubt the Arizona government would be hurt enough to repeal the law because an All Star game was taken away. Sure it helps the economy, but the impact wouldn’t prove any point besides MLB showing how it feels. If I was Bud Selig, I would have a press conference stating the view of the law, talk about all the foreign players, Jackie Robinson, everything like that. That way no innocent bystanders get hurt and the festivities go on as planned.
Where does MLB get off telling us what is just and unjust? The league would say that this is wrong, yet allowed steroids and drugs to run rampant to increase attendance. Steroids that ruined records, killed players and set a terrible example to children growing up wanting to play this game. Acting pious at a time like this doesn’t cover up the less than stellar record of baseball in the past. Sure, they may hate this law, but they allowed black players not to be included for years, see owners treat players like cattle and watch gambling run amuck. Now would not be the time for MLB to legislate morality. They aren’t the best people to do such. The All Star game and its festivities were to celebrate baseball in Arizona, the team, the fans and the players that make the sport even better. Would it be fair to tell all those who work hard that because of a law, they don’t get the privilege anymore?
Leaving the state for Spring Training would be just as unfair. People vacations all over Arizona to watch their teams warm up for the season, watch young players try to make their dreams come true and enjoy the weather. Taking the cactus league away would hurt Arizona even more.
Sports are a pastime, a pleasure, a way to escape from the sometimes harsh realities of everyday life. Sometimes sports can bring out the best in people, uniting people of all backgrounds to a common cause. Sometimes sports transcend it, being an example of hard work, perseverance, teamwork effort and heart. Sometimes sports cross the line, good or bad. Sometimes sports should know its place, and play ball.
Two wrongs don't make a right. Baseball doesn't have the economic clout that football does, but there would be massive waves to follow if it took a stand.
ReplyDeleteSports are supposed to be a pleasure, but they should reflect the best in us, not the worst. And supporting something like that would be supporting the worst. There are plenty of things that aren't good, but this is draconian.
I have no sympathy for Arizona nor the effects it would feel: these people voted for the people who enacted this craziness. Those who are adversely affected get to participate in the process and decide whether they appreciate their representatives who took away their economic livelihood.
The MLB would not be legislating morality, rather it would be responding to those who legislated immorality. I would applaud the MLB if it took a step forward to lead businesses nationally (because it may be a sport, but it really is just a business) to strongly rebel against draconianism, especially when those targeted by this particular law (SB 1070), would be likely defined as a majority of the employees/players of the teams of the league.