Why Baseball Has Become A Popular Sport Across The Years
January 21, 2021 By khansa
Baseball has previously been known as an American gem, but with increasing technology and passion from fans, it has grown and spread across the globe.
If it’s not the iconic ‘hitting a home run’ phrase, the famous ballparks, the rich history or the summer months that explain why baseball has become so popular, you may also want to consider the following reasons enumerated in this article.
Where Is Baseball Popular?
Baseball fans across the world keep up with their favorite hitters by frequently checking their home runs, slugging percentages, and batting averages. After all, the best baseball players are consistent, and statistics make it easier for fans to separate the bad from the good. If you’re a new fan, this baseball batting average calculator can help you get a better picture of your favorite players’ performance.The inclusive nature of baseball or the wealth of opportunities for those of all ages definitely contributes to its well-loved legacy. Baseball has become most popular in the following countries:
- Mexico
- Canada
- Iraq
- Venezuela
- Dominican Republic
- Nicaragua
- Afghanistan
- Panama
- Cuba
- Australia
- Puerto Rico
Why Is Baseball A Popular Sport
Here are some of the top reasons for baseball’s lasting popularity over the years.
- It’s For All Shapes And Sizes
While basketball may rely upon physical speed, height and an overall high level of health and fitness, baseball is believed to focus more on mental strategy and quick reflexes. Therefore, whether you’re short, tall, thin, or solid, you have a good opportunity to grow within this game, if you embody some of the natural skills baseball thrives upon. Equal opportunity in this regard is one reason why baseball has become increasingly popular, even amongst kids with baseball clubs, leagues and training opportunities also growing.
Favorable skills may include:
- Quick reflexes
- Balance
- Coordination
- Strategic and Analytical Mind
- Agility
- Technique
- Motivation
To further highlight how natural talent may trump physical training and “correct” stature for baseball, we can look at Babe Ruth—considered to be one of the best baseball players of all time. One would usually think that in order to be successful and well-suited for any sport, you’d have to ensure maximum health, fitness and mental clarity. This, however, doesn’t describe one of the all-time baseball greats.
Babe Ruth’s diet consisted of cigars, alcohol, hot dogs, raw meat and ample amounts of dessert. The healthy snacks of today contrast greatly to that of Ruth’s. His portion sizes (high in processed sugars and fat) and his smoking habits which he described as turning his face blue would be surprising to most. His unbelievable, instinctual talent, however, cannot be questioned.
It Offers Various Health Benefits
There are several physical and mental benefits that come from playing baseball. If you’re wanting a sport that positively affects both your mind and body function, this may be the game for you.
Some of the possible benefits include:
- Mental clarity and focus
- Reduces anxiety
- Enhances strategic and analytical thinking
- Enhances sleep
- Socialization
- Increased exposure to Vitamin D
- Increases hand-eye coordination
- Fresh air
- Burns calories
- Keeps weight down
- Enhances flexibility
- Increases strength
- Relieves restlessness and excess energy
It Has Nostalgic And Historical Importance
Baseball cards, hotdogs, the famous ballparks; how much more nostalgia can you get? People, whether having played baseball in their youth, bonding over it with their parents, teaching it to their kids or now watching it with their families, often hold a special place in their hearts for this iconic game. Through ever-changing developments and crisis’ in the US for example, baseball has remained a nostalgic place of solace and belonging for many citizens.
The historical richness of baseball is one that cannot be denied and continues to influence aspiring players and fans. Although the origins of baseball can date back to 1700-1800s, it was during the 1940s in America when it truly made an impression. With the majority of men away at war, women were the ones who jumped into this game in hopes of bringing some joy in an otherwise melancholic time.
World records were set shortly after, by both male and female players, of various nationalities and religions. One of the reasons why baseball quickly became a household name, was due to the controversary and prejudice that sometimes followed. Despite the negative attitudes from ignorant onlookers, baseball became a game respected for its inclusivity and diversity.
In Conclusion
Whether it’s the welcoming nature of baseball, the iconic snacks, rich history, nostalgia, health benefits or overall aesthetic of this well-loved sport, it isn’t hard to see why it has become so popular, not just in the United States but worldwide. If you think you embody the natural abilities baseball thrives upon, you may want to consider picking up a baseball bat, popping on a jersey and giving it a go.
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