I used to be very old school with my opinions on baseball.
I still like the guy that puts his head down, and just does his job.... but I think MLB would be well served by encouraging a culture of more personality. Or at-least not discouraging personality. Just the idea of letting players be themselves, and letting the game police itself.
I'm always going to dislike the guy that is barking over ball and strike call; but a guy wants to flip his bat? Okay.
A pitcher wants to stare down a batter? Fine. Just deal with it when a hitter takes you deep.
A batter wants to look at a pitcher ever going yard? Fine. Being more willing to deal with it, when that pitcher later drills you (below the shoulders). Also, if you are the pitcher, just worry about getting the out.
A Middle INF wants to make a throat slashing gesture? Fine... just be prepared for cleats high.
In the Spring and Summer... we see the College and Little League World Series... how about the enthusiasm we see these teams have (which has zero to do with showing up the competition)? They aren't pros, but it is an entertaining brand of baseball, and stands in stark contrast with the Major League game.
Perhaps this is the best way to reach the youth which has generally turned away from baseball.
(OT, other rant... I'd also suggest addressing the myth that baseball players are lesser athletes. MLB players have more than immense skill, it takes tremendous physical talent. MLB players would fair better in other sports imo, vs. other sports players trying to play baseball. JMO. Do admit there are some players who are at-least non-athlete looking. But MLB should do a better job of showcasing all of the different athletic things their players do.)
Of course pros in other leagues, and fans of other pro leagues also celebrate differently..
In Japan..."The truth is that the cheering in the stands is the mood maker and a way for the fans to feel attached to the game from far seats. For instance, each player has his own hitting march that is chanted by the fans from the time he steps in the batters box until the end of the bat. There is also a reward chant if the player gets on base or scores in a run. The chants are accompanied by trumpets, bugles, whistles, Japanese taiko drums, Western base-drums, flags, and banners. In addition, the fans' arsenal includes pre-game chants, opening player name calls, "Lucky seventh" inning fight song and balloons. After victories, the fans display their hitting marches, their bonsai cheer, and their prideful anthems."
In Caribbean Winter Leagues, there is an outpouring of emotion from players and fans alike. Of course at the Caribbean World Series level, you have country pride.
I started this talking about players and their actions, and got into crowds. Maybe they are separate topics, maybe they are mingled.
My sense is that more personality on the field, leads to more people caring / reacting in the stands. All leading to a more entertaining product on tv.
So... while I may have previously not been particularly fond of perceived antics of Joey Bats, Ortiz, Pedroia, Encarnacion, Moustakas / Gordon / Dyson / Cain.... I think I've come around to the idea of not discouraging their personalities.
If they have antics which make you dislike them as opposing fans, it's better for the game as a whole if you feel something when you see them.
