Diane M. Grassi attempts to shine new light on issues centered on professional and amateur sports through her writing, by going beyond the headlines and sound-bites and to present sports fans with the back-story. In that effort, she seeks out those issues that rarely become headlines and elicits discussion as to why that is case. Grassi’s goal is to not only provide content, but to offer an outlet for sports fans of all types, of various backgrounds and life experiences, to engage in topical issues with candor, good humor and provocative thought. Yet, to Grassi, it is the issues that are paramount, as opposed to the messenger, while maintaining intellectually honest and original fact-based reporting and research without an agenda.
How taxpayers can be expected to trust their state governments to invest in struggling enterprises, already in the red, in order to prop up their cash-strapped states, many nearing junk-bond status due to irresponsible governing, remains the $64,000.00 question.
Much like the way corporate takeovers can surface rapidly and on a global scale, with what appears as little hands-on management, corporations’ goods are then subject to manufacture in far-off lands with little oversight, too.
The prevailing precedent Stern created was his steadfast endorsement of the prohibition of legalized sports betting. And he has now seemingly opened Pandora’s Box, if but a crack
Not unlike its refusal to use an independent lab and auditor for its illegal substance abuse testing program of its players, MLB may have to revisit its head-in-the-sand approach to many of its policies; and in this most recent bugaboo; its umpire training, evaluation and post-season selection process.
Most baseball fans are probably unaware of a new computer technology, mandated by MLB, and its use throughout 2009, that will be precedent setting for seasons to come.
Given the climate of broadcast and newspaper outlets offing their talent near retirement age, it makes sense in some circles that some would want to gain instant and unabated relevance, whether or not the story is true or not.
Let us not forget to continue to celebrate the game of baseball, in spite of its scandals, in spite of its dirty players or how mismanaged it may become. For without us fans, MLB will cease to exist, and all of those wonderful players of the past and the challenges they faced will become but a footnote in the history books. Play Ball!
In parts of the U.S., a small town may have only one or two car dealerships or authorized service centers for vehicles within a 100-200 mile radius. Therefore, the closure of a Chrysler or GM dealership could virtually take a whole town with it, including sponsorships for youth baseball.
How does MLB oversee those sponsorships between MLB teams and casino operations which allow legal sports betting on their premises?
Not unlike the small business owner trying to remain fiscally sound and viable in the current marketplace in the toughest economy in nearly 80 years, small sized and boutique bat makers struggle to survive.
