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Oeditpus Rex

(42,106 posts)
Wed Jul 16, 2025, 11:16 PM Wednesday

'Swing-off'?

How long before this works its way into regular-seaon games, thus killing the drama and strategy of extra innings forever?

Why does MLB keep trying to "fix" something that had nothing wrong?

8 replies = new reply since forum marked as read
Highlight: NoneDon't highlight anything 5 newestHighlight 5 most recent replies
'Swing-off'? (Original Post) Oeditpus Rex Wednesday OP
We're playing Mighty Manfred Ball, where the All Star game is decided by rsdsharp Wednesday #1
Well said Auggie Thursday #2
Huh? ProfessorGAC Thursday #3
If it doesn't matter Oeditpus Rex Thursday #4
Money? ProfessorGAC Thursday #5
You seem more cynical than I am Oeditpus Rex Thursday #6
And? ProfessorGAC Thursday #7
You think all-star games lack meaning Oeditpus Rex Thursday #8

ProfessorGAC

(73,639 posts)
3. Huh?
Thu Jul 17, 2025, 07:21 AM
Thursday

This was an exhibition game! Where is the value of extra innings in an exhibition game?
The biggest mistake was the overreaction Selig had when the ASG in Milwaukee ended in a tie.
Now, I think you're overreacting by suggesting this is anything more than a way to settle the All-Star game for which the win only impacts bragging rights.
Full Disclosure: since the game doesn't matter, I would end it after 9 innings and if it's tied, I'd let it end in a tie.

ProfessorGAC

(73,639 posts)
5. Money?
Thu Jul 17, 2025, 02:18 PM
Thursday

And, if there were no all-star game, I wouldn't miss it.
I watched because it was on. If there was no game, I'd have watched something else.
So no, I don't think it matters except to MLB's bottom line.

Oeditpus Rex

(42,106 posts)
6. You seem more cynical than I am
Thu Jul 17, 2025, 03:39 PM
Thursday

I didn't think that was possible.

Before the average ballplayer made something like $3 million per year, proceeds from the All-Star Game went to the players' pension fund.

But now...

In the MLB All-Star Game, the winning team's players each receive a $25,000 bonus, according to a sports news outlet. Players can also earn extra money by participating in the Home Run Derby or agreeing to in-game interviews. Additionally, some players may have bonuses written into their contracts for making the All-Star team. For example, a player selected as a starter could receive a $50,000 bonus, according to a sports news outlet.

Here's a more detailed breakdown:

Winning Team Bonus:
Players on the winning team of the All-Star Game each receive a $25,000 bonus.

Home Run Derby:
Players participating in the Home Run Derby can earn extra money, with the winner taking home $1 million, second place receiving $500,000, and other participants receiving $150,000. The player with the longest home run also gets an extra $100,000.

In-Game Interviews:
Players who agree to in-game interviews earn an additional $15,000.

Contract Bonuses:
Some players have clauses in their contracts that provide bonuses for making the All-Star team.

Other Incentives:
The MLB Players Association and MLB negotiate various incentives for players participating in the All-Star Game, such as the bonuses for being mic'd up.

The brunt of MLB'S income is from the broadcast rights currently owned by Fox. The amount for the All-Star Game alone isn't publicly specified, but Fox pays $729 million annually for all its Saturday games and the World Series. A hunk of that goes to the Players Association.

ProfessorGAC

(73,639 posts)
7. And?
Thu Jul 17, 2025, 04:18 PM
Thursday

You went a very long way to say it wasn't about money by providing financial information. All I said was the All-Star game was about money. The game meets the definition of exhibition game, as it is just a show for the money.
That's not cynicism. That's an obvious conclusion from knowing how big business works.
If MLB didn't get a premium from Fox for the game, they'd pit it out for bid.
If Fox doesn't get a return for the incremental price for the ASG, they would just buy the rights to those Saturday games.
It is obvious, with what networks have done to their news divisions, that major media doesn't do loss leaders.
And, since I think ASGs don't mean much in any sport, the only reason to have them is the cash they generate. Which is what I said.

Oeditpus Rex

(42,106 posts)
8. You think all-star games lack meaning
Thu Jul 17, 2025, 08:29 PM
Thursday

because they're all about the money, and you don't care at all for minor-league baseball, which is most assuredly not about the money.

Sorry I provided what little financial detail I could find. Seems like it just got in your way.

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