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2011 MLB Playoffs: MLB Made a Mistake by Even Beginning Game 1 in New York

October 1, 2011   ·     ·   Jump to comments
Article Source: Bleacher Report - New York Yankees

Just as Major League Baseball had gained the most momentum it has had in years, it came to a screeching halt on Friday night in the Bronx.

After what was the most fantastic finish in MLB history, baseball had silenced some of its critics—until Game 1 of the ALDS between the Detroit Tigers and New York Yankees.

In what was slated as the best Game 1 matchup on the mound in all of baseball, the game was “postponed” seemingly before it even began. Two perennial Cy Young contenders, Justin Verlander and CC Sabathia, were set to dual only to have the game washed away by rain as early as the middle of the second inning.

The anticipation for this pairing was immense, all eyes were on the pitching mound in New York. Shortly after it began, it was over.

This brings up the question: Why did Game 1 begin in the first place?

Fans all know that this is October, the weather is only going to get worse and the games must be played in as little time as possible. Baseball is not meant to be played in the cold, after all, it’s the game of summer.

Fans also know that unless you’re China in the 2008 Olympics, you can’t control the weather. But for crying out loud, this is 2011, we have enough technology and enough “experts” to predict the downpour in the Bronx on Friday night.

What happened on Friday night in New York is a travesty—an abomination. The game and these teams deserve justice.

Commissioner Bud Selig should be ashamed, he robbed baseball of the best Game 1 matchup of the 2011 playoffs. He robbed the fans, organizations and the game itself of the sudden and somewhat unexpected momentum it had gained overnight.

Now all we’re left with is a cluster of questions. Mainly: What if’s.

What if Verlander and Sabathia were allowed to pitched to their potential? What if the rotations of each squad weren’t thrown out of wack? What if the teams had gotten their supposed day off on Sunday? What if, what if, what if.

Now we’re left to “resume” Game 1 without two of the game’s best on Saturday night. Last time I checked, baseball was a game of nine innings, not 7.5.

We the people deserve better.

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