Football commentator Kirk Herbstreit has voiced strong criticisms of modern Major League Baseball, arguing that the sport lacks athleticism and is losing its audience. However, data regarding league attendance, viewership, and player performance suggests a different narrative, with attendance increasing and key metrics showing positive trends.
Herbstreit, in response to a comment from former catcher Jorge Posada, expressed frustration on X, questioning the decline of athleticism in baseball. He lamented the perceived absence of "clutch hitting," pitchers completing long outings, and effective base running, contrasting the current game unfavorably with past eras and specific players like Tony Gwynn and Ichiro Suzuki. Herbstreit suggested a return to "small ball" and "athleticism," describing the current product as "dreadful."
However, statistics indicate a rise in athletic performance and engagement within the league. Pitchers like Jacob Misiorowski and Mason Miller are reportedly throwing at speeds exceeding 100 mph, a significant increase from previous decades. For instance, the average fastball velocity in 2008 was 90.4 mph, compared to approximately 95 mph in 2026. This increase is attributed to advancements in training, nutrition, and biomechanics, enabling pitchers to throw harder despite facing hitters who are also adapting to higher velocities. Players like Shohei Ohtani continue to excel as both hitters and pitchers, a rare feat in modern baseball.
The assertion that pitchers no longer go deep into games is attributed by analysts to data showing decreased effectiveness when pitchers face hitters multiple times in a game. The "third time through the order penalty" is cited as a key factor, leading teams to utilize specialized relief pitchers to maintain effectiveness, rather than relying on pitchers to complete eight or nine innings.
Stolen base attempts and success rates have also seen an increase. In 2024, there were 3,617 stolen bases league-wide, surpassing the highest total from the 1980s. While slightly larger bases have contributed, the success rate for stolen bases has improved to 80% in 2024 from approximately 67% in 1986, indicating more strategic and successful base running. This counters the idea that base stealing and speed are diminished aspects of the game.
Herbstreit's references to past stars are also met with counterpoints. Players from earlier eras known for high on-base percentages and batting averages, such as Wade Boggs and Tony Gwynn, would likely still be highly valuable in today's game. Gwynn's career statistics, for example, would place him favorably against many current stars, suggesting that players with similar skill sets would find success.
League-wide scoring has also seen an uptick. In 1989, the league averaged 8.26 runs per game, while in 2026, the average has risen to 9 runs per game. This suggests that the game is not experiencing a decline in scoring, and the emphasis on home runs is seen as a strategic choice to maximize run production.
Contrary to Herbstreit's view, MLB has reported increasing attendance and viewership. The 2025 World Series was the most watched domestically since 2017, with Game 7 drawing 51 million viewers across the US, Canada, and Japan. National television broadcasts have also seen significant increases. The article contrasts this with the modern NFL, which it suggests is facing issues with declining yardage per game and potentially stagnating excitement, despite its popularity.
Minor league pitcher Jacob Misiorowski, who plays for the Milwaukee Brewers, was noted for throwing a pitch at 105 mph in May 2026. Shohei Ohtani, a prominent player for the Los Angeles Dodgers, continues to perform at a high level, as seen in his actions in June 2026.
Kirk Herbstreit, an analyst for ESPN's "College GameDay," has broadcasted on college football for years.
The article also notes comments from Todd Ricketts, who stated that as a Republican in Chicago, he has found common ground with the city, recognizing that the Cubs are a team for everyone, irrespective of political affiliation.