Passing the Love of Baseball Onto the Next Generation

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The first official baseball game in the U.S. was played by the New York Knickerbocker Baseball Club in 1846. Since then, baseball has taken the title of America’s favorite pastime for over a century.

While baseball has remained a popular sport over the years, there is a declining trend in those statistics, as in-person attendance continues to drop. Some fans are worried that the next generation may not view baseball as an “exciting” or engaging sport, like football, basketball, or hockey.

The reality is, the basics of baseball have remained relatively the same since its inception, with only a few minor changes. Today’s generation is used to technology and modern changes. That’s why it’s up to older individuals to save not only the MLB but little leagues across the country. By getting your children and grandchildren interested in the sport, baseball can continue to thrive as America’s pastime for another century.

But how can you do that if it seems as though the younger people in your life aren’t interested?

Sharing Stories and Stats

One of the best ways to reach a younger audience is by sharing your own love of baseball. Believe it or not, the kids in your life do enjoy listening to what you have to say, even if it doesn’t always seem like it.

By telling your child why baseball is a passion of yours, they can develop a deeper understanding of the game itself and why it’s so important. Some subjects to bring up might include:

• Your first in-person game.
• Your first playing experience.
• Your favorite player (and why).
• Exciting moments in baseball history.

It’s also a good idea to talk about how to actually play the game. If a child doesn’t understand the rules and what’s going on, they’re less likely to be interested. So invite them to watch a game with you or take them to your favorite stadium for an unforgettable experience. When they see how much you love it and how easy it is to follow, they may be more likely to develop an interest.

Learning By Doing

Of course, watching baseball is only half the fun. As you undoubtedly know, children like to be active! So, try getting out and actually throwing around a ball with them! Nothing beats a game of catch, and it’s a perfect opportunity to talk more about the game.

Plus, with the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, your child might be complaining about boredom from spending so much time at home. Simply being outside can help to give them more energy, improve their focus, and even reduce stress. But playing a sport on top of that is a way to keep them entertained.

If you spend enough time playing and getting your child or grandchild interested, they may even take a chance at Little League so they can play on a team with other kids. There are over 180,000 Little League teams throughout the U.S., and there is undoubtedly a league near you. Before the child in your life signs up, make sure they know how to protect themselves from injuries, and ensure that they are eating right and getting enough rest to stay healthy. If they know how to take preventative measures, they’ll be able to play longer and more effectively.

Joining a league is a great way for a child to develop a much deeper interest in baseball. They’ll make lifelong friends, learn the specific rules of the sport, and understand that they’re a part of something bigger than themselves.

Bringing Baseball to the Present

One of the major issues that baseball faces with the next generation is that so many kids see it as an “outdated” sport. You can help them realize that American’s favorite pastime is also taking a step toward the future with things like:

• Strong social media presence from teams and athletes.
• Games that are broadcasted live online.
• Partnering with online brands.

You can also entice your kids or grandkids to be more interested in baseball by using their cellphones or tablets to educate them about the game. Cellphones can be used as educational devices for a variety of subjects and can help kids do everything from keeping a schedule to take notes. There are also educational apps that can help them with their schoolwork. The MLB also has its own app with stats about players, schedules, and exclusive fan information. If your child is already into their mobile device and uses it as a learning tool, encourage them to learn more about the sport and the teams they’re interested in, too. Remind them that studying the hitting patterns of the best batters can help them with geometry.

Baseball doesn’t have to be a “boring” sport of the past. If you’re a parent or grandparent, showing the children in your life how important and exciting the game can be will preserve it for future generations, and make this great summer game a continued fixture throughout the country.