In Praise of Efficiency in Baseball

Josh Getzler

 

I just returned from watching the New York Mets play the Washington Nationals at Citifield with my lovely wife Amanda and my lovely client, the urbane ESPN anchor Adnan Virk. The game was a matchup of stud pitchers--Max Scherzer for the Nats (who had struck out 20 batters in his last outing) and Noah "Thor" Syndegaard for the Mets (who had hit 2 home runs in HIS last outing, and actually entered the game with a lower ERA than Scherzer).  We knew we were going to see a true old-fashioned pitcher's duel, and my over/under for total hits for both teams combined was seven (turned out it was 9). I thought the game would end 3-1; it was in the end 2-0 Mets.

 

Most important though, was the time of game. So often, major league baseball games run 3:15, 3:20. This is simply too long. Endless pitching changes, long innings, general inefficiency. The great thing about tonight's game is that even with two plays where the umps reviewed tape to determine the call, the game lasted a highly manageable 2:40. We still had time to talk and take in the atmosphere, but the game never became oppressive. And watching a game with a person who makes his living watching sports is a treat. Adnan's observations are effortless and still trenchant, with great background.

 

We got home at 11--and now it's time for bed. And thanks to Thor and Scherzer for their efficiency.

 

 

Comments

[Jeff Cohen]

All I'll say is that I don't mind longer baseball games. I'd rather see a 3-hour baseball game than any 3-hour movie I've ever seen--they all need to be cut.