Welcome to the MacNN Forums.

besson3c · Jun 26, 2007, 10:43 AM

1) Players refer to each other by their last names with an "y" suffix - e.g. Stairsy, Zauney... WTF?

2) Sports interviews are always so incredibly dumb. All athletes on a given team all basically say the same old clichés every time they are interviewed:

- "we really fought hard"
- "you gotta go out and give it your all and see what happens"
- "you have to swing at good pitches"
- "you have to be ready"
- "these are a great bunch of guys"

... Well, maybe I don't quite have my imitation down, but my point is that these conversations always seem so incredibly scripted and politician-like. Are athletes trained to speak to the press in a certain way? This speech is so carefully guarded it is so incredibly boring, and the worst part is when the interviewee has to pretend that something profound was just said

3) Sports broadcasts are always so incredibly dumb, and seemingly targeted at the dumbest people in society. Conversation is always so incredibly inane, and the music that goes along with it always some high energy patriotic music of some sort that sounds like it is made to make viewers feel tough and bad ass sitting on their couches drinking beer and watching the game

4) Players pat each other on the butts, but only give little man hugs when they celebrate things

5) What's with all the spitting anyway? I've exerted myself before, and I never have this sort of problem with my phlem (sp?!). Do players really work up all of this junk in their lungs walking between the dugout and the plate? Maybe they should get their lungs checked out

6) What is actually said in arguments between umpires and managers? It always seems like they have so much to say, so much to debate... How many words are necessary to say that you think that was a ball/strike, or that you think the umpire is being inconsistent?

I'm sure your average jock is no brain surgeon, but I'm sure they are smarter than they come across in environments where they can be themselves... It would be fun to shadow a famous ball player for a day.

starman · Jun 26, 2007, 11:01 AM

Well, besonny, here's my take on it:

It's SPORTS. What do you expect?

besson3c · Jun 26, 2007, 11:25 AM

Originally Posted by starman

Well, besonny, here's my take on it:

It's SPORTS. What do you expect?

I don't know, but leaving the lowest common denominator arguments aside, why are there so many strange sports traditions that people generally don't question?

turtle777 · Jun 26, 2007, 11:39 AM

Yes.

-t

besson3c · Jun 26, 2007, 11:51 AM

Here is diatribe #7:

7) Sports Journalism. I know that there is probably pressure to crank out x number of stories in a day or week, but there is also a ton of filler within these stories. It's bad enough I have to hear these meaningless, obvious, and/or clichéd quotes but you don't have to regurgitate these same quotes in your story!

Just picking apart a random story (the AJ Burnett returning to the Blue Jays on Thursday story from bluejays.com):

"Every time you feel something, you're worried about it."

Duh... Pain is cause for concern?

Obviously, if it's enough to bring me out of a ballgame, then it's going to concern me,"

Duh... why would it concern you?

"I think I stepped off with two outs and looked up and smiled because the whole crowd was on their feet in San Diego," Burnett reminisced. "It's a feeling you can't express. It's unbelievable."

AJ can't come up with words beyond "unbelievable" to describe this, and we have to know about this?

"He's a big strong guy. He hasn't hit 499 by mistake," Twins manager Ron Gardenhire said. "He hits home runs. You hope when he does it, if he does it, that it's without men on base. Solo jobs are a lot better than those two- or three-run jobs."

This is absolutely profound.

Although he did help clarify something. I thought those 499 home runs were just mistakes. I was sure that Frank Thomas would have preferred all 499 of those to be groundouts to the pitcher or something.

starman · Jun 26, 2007, 12:01 PM

Stop watching sports

anthology123 · Jun 26, 2007, 12:06 PM

The beginning of every sports interview question:

What are your thoughts and feelings when...
or
What was running through your head when...

Dork. · Jun 26, 2007, 12:14 PM

Sports Journalism is pretty absurd. But when you think about it, athletes weren't hired into their jobs on the basis of their SAT scores or their ability to express themselves eloquently. And they get bombarded by the media before, after, (and with baseball on Fox, during) every game. There are only so many ways you can answer the same question over and over before it all sounds banal and cliched.

I don't pay all that much attention to the interviews, talk shows, and such. I just prefer to see what happens during the game. I don't need Tim McCarver to tell me that Jose Reyes is an exciting player, I get to see it every time he comes to bat.

As for strange sports traditions, mabye it's different now that all the ballplayers are of the Nintendo generation, but it used to be that almost all baseball players were superstitious. If they had a good game after eating a particular thing for lunch, they'd eat it every day until their luck changes. Just google "Wade Boggs" and "Fried Chicken" for some data (which we all know is really the plural of "anecdote"....) And it just hit the press recently that Carlos Gomez sniffs his bat before each at-bat....

ort888 · Jun 26, 2007, 12:16 PM

What is ironic here is that you are condemning sports journalism and athletes for using the same old cliches over and over again... yet you have brought up a criticism that has also been brought up and discussed to no end.

Your criticisms and observations are also cliches.

besson3c · Jun 26, 2007, 12:29 PM

Originally Posted by ort888

What is ironic here is that you are condemning sports journalism and athletes for using the same old cliches over and over again... yet you have brought up a criticism that has also been brought up and discussed to no end.

Your criticisms and observations are also cliches.

Well, it's not like this just occurred to me now, but I also haven't heard these sorts of complaints before. Are they discussed frequently?

ort888 · Jun 26, 2007, 12:30 PM

Originally Posted by besson3c

Well, it's not like this just occurred to me now, but I also haven't heard these sorts of complaints before. Are they discussed frequently?

Well, I'm guessing you're not a big sports fan. I've been posting on hockey message boards for about a decade now, and yes, all of these feeling have been brought up time and time and time and time again.

It's not that you are wrong, it's just that you are not treading new ground.

The bottom line is this, it's a bunch of grown men chasing after a ball, and they play thousands of games per year. There is only so much you can talk about.

besson3c · Jun 26, 2007, 12:31 PM

Originally Posted by anthology123

The beginning of every sports interview question:

What are your thoughts and feelings when...
or
What was running through your head when...

Are they hoping that the player will just sort of become poetic and start taking us on a picturesque journey through their experience in a 10 second sound clip?

besson3c · Jun 26, 2007, 12:32 PM

Originally Posted by Dork.

Sports Journalism is pretty absurd. But when you think about it, athletes weren't hired into their jobs on the basis of their SAT scores or their ability to express themselves eloquently. And they get bombarded by the media before, after, (and with baseball on Fox, during) every game. There are only so many ways you can answer the same question over and over before it all sounds banal and cliched.

I don't pay all that much attention to the interviews, talk shows, and such. I just prefer to see what happens during the game. I don't need Tim McCarver to tell me that Jose Reyes is an exciting player, I get to see it every time he comes to bat.

As for strange sports traditions, mabye it's different now that all the ballplayers are of the Nintendo generation, but it used to be that almost all baseball players were superstitious. If they had a good game after eating a particular thing for lunch, they'd eat it every day until their luck changes. Just google "Wade Boggs" and "Fried Chicken" for some data (which we all know is really the plural of "anecdote"....) And it just hit the press recently that Carlos Gomez sniffs his bat before each at-bat....

Why hasn't somebody cashed in on sports broadcasts designed for people with intelligence levels higher than children?

ort888 · Jun 26, 2007, 12:33 PM

Originally Posted by besson3c

Why hasn't somebody cashed in on sports broadcasts designed for people with intelligence levels higher than children?

Because most people are dumb? Sports radio and sports editorials are usually where you will find more interesting commentary. The mainstream press is mostly going to be reporting on the facts, and the facts are usually pretty boring.

abbaZaba · Jun 26, 2007, 12:34 PM

Originally Posted by besson3c

5) What's with all the spitting anyway? I've exerted myself before, and I never have this sort of problem with my phlem (sp?!). Do players really work up all of this junk in their lungs walking between the dugout and the plate? Maybe they should get their lungs checked out

they're chewing tobacco or, to a lesser extent, eating seeds. the fact that this went over your head amuses me.

ort888 · Jun 26, 2007, 12:36 PM

Originally Posted by besson3c

So *everybody* that spits is spitting out sunflower seeds? As kids, we always tried to emulate these people by just spitting out phlem...

I think the spitting is a subconscious reflex developed by growing up watching ball players spit.

besson3c · Jun 26, 2007, 12:36 PM

Originally Posted by abbaZaba

they're chewing tobacco or, to a lesser extent, eating seeds. the fact that this went over your head amuses me.

So *everybody* that spits is spitting out sunflower seeds? As kids, we always tried to emulate these people by just spitting out phlem...

macintologist · Jun 26, 2007, 12:36 PM

I wanna know what is said when managers and umpires argue.

osiris · Jun 26, 2007, 12:37 PM

Originally Posted by ort888

What is ironic here is that you are condemning sports journalism and athletes for using the same old cliches over and over again... yet you have brought up a criticism that has also been brought up and discussed to no end.

Your criticisms and observations are also cliches.

In the future, everything will be a cliche.

But I think these sports cliches work because the lowest common denominator can easily understand what is going on - no thinking required. I guess... I'm not a sports person, so maybe my opinion is irrelevant.

besson3c · Jun 26, 2007, 12:37 PM

Originally Posted by ort888

Well, I'm guessing you're not a big sports fan. I've been posting on hockey message boards for about a decade now, and yes, all of these feeling have been brought up time and time and time and time again.

It's not that you are wrong, it's just that you are not treading new ground.

The bottom line is this, it's a bunch of grown men chasing after a ball, and they play thousands of games per year. There is only so much you can talk about.

You're right, I'm not usually this tuned into sports as I am right now.

If so many people feel this way, why don't things change? Like I said, some silence is not a bad thing if there is nothing to talk about.

starman · Jun 26, 2007, 12:38 PM

I'm just trying to figure out what makes sports journalism any different than any other kind of absurdity (politics, entertainment, SJDF).

abbaZaba · Jun 26, 2007, 12:38 PM

Originally Posted by besson3c

Why hasn't somebody cashed in on sports broadcasts designed for people with intelligence levels higher than children?

see: Dennis Miller on Monday Night Football

besson3c · Jun 26, 2007, 12:42 PM

Originally Posted by starman

I'm just trying to figure out what makes sports journalism any different than any other kind of absurdity (politics, entertainment, SJDF).

Well, entertainment is often the same way, but at least some political stories are too complicated to treat to this same extent. You're right though, it's not like a lot of mainstream media is exactly gunning for even people of average intelligence with their crap.

Why don't smart and average intelligence people revolt? Why does seemingly everything have to be designed for f-ing dumbasses?

osiris · Jun 26, 2007, 12:43 PM

Originally Posted by besson3c

5) What's with all the spitting anyway? I've exerted myself before, and I never have this sort of problem with my phlem (sp?!). Do players really work up all of this junk in their lungs walking between the dugout and the plate? Maybe they should get their lungs checked out

I have a problem with people spitting in general. Disgusting, repulsive behavior. I don't get it, I think I've had a urgent desperate need to spit maybe 3x in my life. And if you chew tobacco, well, even more of a reason to stop doing that nasty crap.

starman · Jun 26, 2007, 12:44 PM

Originally Posted by besson3c

Why don't smart and average intelligence people revolt? Why does seemingly everything have to be designed for f-ing dumbasses?

You answered your own question. As I get older I've been finding that most people are f'n stupid. They believe everything and research nothing.

besson3c · Jun 26, 2007, 12:44 PM

Originally Posted by osiris

I have a problem with people spitting in general. Disgusting, repulsive behavior. I don't get it, I think I've had a urgent desperate need to spit maybe 3x in my life. And if you chew tobacco, well, even more of a reason to stop doing that nasty crap.

And I wish that somebody would tell kids that spit while playing sports and emulating their favorite athletes that these athletes (at least baseball players) are spitting sunflower seeds, if this is really what most of them are doing.

abbaZaba · Jun 26, 2007, 12:50 PM

Originally Posted by besson3c

So *everybody* that spits is spitting out sunflower seeds? As kids, we always tried to emulate these people by just spitting out phlem...

what did I say? read what I posted. to a LESSER extent, a few baseball players are spitting seeds. the vast majority are dipping tobacco.

osiris · Jun 26, 2007, 12:54 PM

Originally Posted by besson3c

And I wish that somebody would tell kids that spit while playing sports and emulating their favorite athletes that these athletes (at least baseball players) are spitting sunflower seeds, if this is really what most of them are doing.

If you've ever been to game where almost everyone is eating sunflower seeds, look out. Things get slippery.
I even asked a few friends - why don't you just buy the shelled seeds (already peeled and cleaned).
The response is that they enjoy the process of chewing and spitting whilst watching the game.

besson3c · Jun 26, 2007, 01:09 PM

Originally Posted by abbaZaba

what did I say? read what I posted. to a LESSER extent, a few baseball players are spitting seeds. the vast majority are dipping tobacco.

I glazed over that because I don't buy it. We'd see more wads in people's mouths if most were chewing tobacco.

ort888 · Jun 26, 2007, 01:27 PM

I really don't think chewing tobacco is commonplace anymore. You just don't see it much. Most of todays players are chewing seeds and gum.

scottiB · Jun 26, 2007, 01:27 PM

Crash Davis: It's time to work on your interviews.
Ebby Calvin LaLoosh: My interviews? What do I gotta do?
Crash Davis: You're gonna have to learn your clichés. You're gonna have to study them, you're gonna have to know them. They're your friends. Write this down: "We gotta play it one day at a time."
Ebby Calvin LaLoosh: Got to play... it's pretty boring.
Crash Davis: 'Course it's boring, that's the point. Write it down.

Watch Bull Durham and most of your questions will be answered.

olePigeon · Jun 26, 2007, 01:38 PM

That's because, unlike baseball and basketball, hockey and rugby are the only real sports.

besson3c · Jun 26, 2007, 01:39 PM

Originally Posted by olePigeon

That's because, unlike baseball and basketball, hockey and rugby are the only real sports.

How do you define a sport?

abbaZaba · Jun 26, 2007, 01:44 PM

Originally Posted by olePigeon

That's because, unlike baseball and basketball, hockey and rugby are the only real sports.

basketball players are the best all-around athletes which makes basketball a step above hockey

besson3c · Jun 26, 2007, 01:45 PM

Originally Posted by abbaZaba

basketball players are the best all-around athletes which makes basketball a step above hockey

What is your basis for this statement?

abbaZaba · Jun 26, 2007, 01:55 PM

basketball players have the easier time switching between sports. LeBron James had numerous football scholarships to top D-I colleges. basketball players have the easiest time switching between sports.

oh, I would also throw boxers in there as the second best all-around athletes.

the skills one learns in basketball translates better into other sports. I'm not dissing hockey as it takes a tremendous amount of skill to play especially considering it's on a completely different surface. a hockey player can be tremendous at their own sport but I don't believe it translates well into other sports such as football or track.

swimmers probably have the best bodies and could be considered in the best shape however since a career swimmer is in the water so much, a swimmer's joints become looser than an average person and thus they cannot play other contact sports without an increased risk of injury.

zro · Jun 26, 2007, 02:34 PM

I think gymnasts are the most athletic.

I'm not into watching grown men get paid outrageous amounts of money to chase a ball. It's obscene.

besson3c · Jun 26, 2007, 02:45 PM

Originally Posted by zro

I think gymnasts are the most athletic.

I'm not into watching grown men get paid outrageous amounts of money to chase a ball. It's obscene.

They are paid chump change compared to many CEOs...

zro · Jun 26, 2007, 02:47 PM

I'm not into watching them chase balls, either.

ort888 · Jun 26, 2007, 02:57 PM

It's supply and demand. Professional sports franchises make obscene amounts of money. Would you rather see the players get it or the owners?

MacosNerd · Jun 26, 2007, 03:15 PM

Originally Posted by olePigeon

That's because, unlike baseball and basketball, hockey and rugby are the only real sports.

I like watching sports and yes Baseball is a sport - sheesh.

Did you ever try to hit a ball thrown at you over 90 miles an hour, or try to catch a ball with your back turned to it.

Baseball includes, strategy, skill and physical prowess. I'm not sure how you define sports but to 99.99% of the world baseball is a sport.

Doofy · Jun 26, 2007, 03:19 PM

Originally Posted by MacosNerd

Baseball includes, strategy, skill and physical prowess. I'm not sure how you define sports but to 99.99% of the ~~world~~ United States baseball is a sport.

Fixxored.

mdc · Jun 26, 2007, 03:26 PM

Originally Posted by osiris

I have a problem with people spitting in general. Disgusting, repulsive behavior. I don't get it, I think I've had a urgent desperate need to spit maybe 3x in my life. And if you chew tobacco, well, even more of a reason to stop doing that nasty crap.

A little off topic, but my previous boss used to chew tobacco at work and spit it into a jar in his office. So repulsive.

Captain Obvious · Jun 26, 2007, 03:46 PM

Originally Posted by besson3c

Why don't smart ~~and average intelligence~~ people revolt? Why does seemingly everything have to be designed for f-ing dumbasses?

We don't need to. We make far too much money tailoring things to people like you.

andi*pandi · Jun 26, 2007, 04:30 PM

Originally Posted by scottiB

Crash Davis: It's time to work on your interviews.
Ebby Calvin LaLoosh: My interviews? What do I gotta do?
Crash Davis: You're gonna have to learn your clichés. You're gonna have to study them, you're gonna have to know them. They're your friends. Write this down: "We gotta play it one day at a time."
Ebby Calvin LaLoosh: Got to play... it's pretty boring.
Crash Davis: 'Course it's boring, that's the point. Write it down.

Watch Bull Durham and most of your questions will be answered.

my thought exactly.

besson3c · Jun 26, 2007, 05:25 PM

"sport" simply cannot be defined.

abbaZaba · Jun 26, 2007, 07:19 PM

Originally Posted by besson3c

"sport" simply cannot be defined.

wow, how profound. this thread was definitely worth it since you were able to come to that revelation.

besson3c · Jun 26, 2007, 07:21 PM

Originally Posted by abbaZaba

wow, how profound. this thread was definitely worth it since you were able to come to that revelation.

Are you Railroader? Charming.

Could you pick a fight with somebody else? Thanks.

MacosNerd · Jun 26, 2007, 07:36 PM

Originally Posted by MacosNerd

I like watching sports and yes Baseball is a sport - sheesh.

Did you ever try to hit a ball thrown at you over 90 miles an hour, or try to catch a ball with your back turned to it.

Baseball includes, strategy, skill and physical prowess. I'm not sure how you define sports but to 99.99% of the world baseball is a sport.

Originally Posted by Doofy

Fixxored.

I have news for you Baseball is played outside of the United States, such As South America, cuba, Japan, etc. so I was correct in what I orginally wrote.

Matius · Jun 26, 2007, 10:12 PM

Originally Posted by besson3c

Are you Railroader? Charming.

Could you pick a fight with somebody else? Thanks.

What did you expect when you insult every sports fan here? You're right though, we are all half-wits who only watch sports because we don't have the sense to change the channel to some more "intellectual" show. So I guess it's back to watching my two favorite sports--NASCAR and baseball.