Is baseball becoming a blue collar sport again?

It's hard to say what effect the economic downturn will have on baseball. But there's evidence that MLB could be becoming a blue collar sport again, an event that the average working class family can afford to attend on a semi-regular basis.

This past offseason, fans saw that the days of the enormous contract for the average player may be over. Players like Adam Dunn had to take salaries that were far below their initial asking price.

I've also seen some great ticket and food deals at major league stadiums. The Reds have brought back $5 tickets and $1 food items. Given, the $5 tickets are at the top corners of the stadium and the $1 pop is pretty small (12oz) and usually loaded down with ice, but hey it's a start. The $1 hotdogs aren't bad at all. I had a few on Opening Day. The Reds also have an Adult Meal Deal which includes a 16oz pop, hotdog, and chips for $7.

This weekend I'm partaking in one of the Reds new ticket promotions. A lower level ticket (normally $34) and a Reds cap for a total of $20. I have a massive collection of baseball hats, so the free cap did it for me.

I'm guessing we're going to see more of this stuff -- Major League Baseball adjusting to their fan base, working-class families. Even in the new Yankee Stadium we are seeing evidence that fans will refuse to pay. Expensive seats, priced in the hundreds and even thousands, were once a symbol of prestige and status. Now the prices are seen as excessive and prime location seating is being left empty. Some fans see the new Stadium itself as a huge waste. Still no word on whether beer sales at new Yankee Stadium have declined now that a PBR will set you back almost $10. I guess it's nothing new, apparently a Heineken set you back $12.50 at the old stadium.


Check out posts from: It is about the money, stupid and Deadspin.

Another shutout for Pirates pitching

The Pittsburgh Pirates have four shutouts in their opening homestand which began a week ago today. Tonight's 8-0 win handed the Florida Marlins their second loss of the season. Ross Ohlendorf worked 7 innings and gave up only 2 hits. The Pirates relief core of Yates and Chavez was perfect.

The Bucco offense was an all around effort. Of the starters, only the pitcher's spot didn't collect at least one hit. Nate McLouth put the game in the booty bag in the 6th with a 3-run homer that reached the Allegheny River.

The Pirates and Nyjer Morgan continue to impress with their baserunning.

Give new pitching coach, Joe Kerrigan, the credit for the starters' performance so far this season. The Pittsburgh starters are pitching inside and pounding the strike zone.

The Pirates have two more games against the Marlins to finish out the homestand.