By Chris Ryan
Everything in America still seems bloated.
But, in a COVID world simplicity and returning to your roots has become a theme.
Bike rides, hikes and kayaking have replaced expensive travel for many, which has made some wonder about the long term effects on an economy that thrives on discretionary spending.
Let's look at the Cape Cod Baseball League vs. Major League Baseball as an example.
The Cape League saw record crowds for it's Western Division Playoff Series with Bourne Braves besting the Cotuit Kettleers two games to one. The Boston Red Sox have been allowed to operate at full capacity since Memorial Day Weekend, but have only had a handful of sellouts.
"It's pretty simple, the Cape League is the best amateur league in the world," said Kettleers long-time manager Mike Roberts of the league comprised of college all-stars.
Now, I'm not saying the Cape League is more popular than the Red Sox and that the baseball is better, because both would be false.
What I am saying is that the public is either consciously, or not, engaging more in a cost benefit analysis. The Cape League is free (donations and the 50/50 drive the league), and pure. You pack your cooler, beach chair and head to the park. You come and go as you please. You imagine what baseball was like in those old photos from the late-19th or early-20th century when local people gathered in those big hats and stood single and double file around the field.
The players and umpires make mistakes. Balls are booted. The umpires blow calls.
The game is human and raw.
Now, I love Major League Baseball and have derived great benefit from my (gulp) 20-years covering the game. There is nothing that matches the adrenaline of a sold-out Fenway Park or Yankee Stadium and a huge game, but the game, like America, has become bloated and mechanical.
The players are so good, the coaches are even better, and you will pay for that experience.
Want to take your family of four to Fenway with decent seats, park, get some snacks, lunch, a couple beers and the kids a souvenir?
Better set aside $600.
Now does this mean the Red Sox, professional sports or concerts are in trouble? Absolutely not.
But, the business model may have to change.
A baseball team needs roughly 2 million fans to attend one game per year to have a good year at the gate.
If you follow a team via watching highlights or broadcasts you're much more likely to do that, but fans may cut down on how many games they attend.
But, the trend remains clear. New Englanders are staying closer to home and their money is likely to, as well.