Moneyball

To those who have grown tired of hearing the media beat the dead horse that is America's current economic crisis, I apologize, because today we are looking at how America's current financial crisis has affected, and still is affecting, the sporting world. The economy is currently a touchy issue in sports. Some have talked of how it is unfair for so much money to be spent on sporting events and team's payrolls, especially during these rough times, while others have spoken about how some sports teams might be in danger during this recession, which looks like it could get worse before getting better. 

Regardless of what the actual opinions are, the economy is a hot topic. And I think it's a good thing that people are discussing how the economy impacts sports and vice versa, as sports are an important aspect of the lives of most Americans. But I also believe that some are looking at sports the wrong way in such difficult times. I am first and foremost referring to those who believe that athletes, coaches, and the like should not be getting paid so much and that ticket prices should be decreased.

The argument goes that sports is about entertaining the fans, the common folk, and this simply cannot happen with ticket prices as high as they are nowadays, which happen to be so high because of the millions of dollars being paid to professional athletes and their coaches. But just coming from an economic standpoint, ticket prices are right where they should be. Sports franchises are businesses that are run for the same reasons as any other corporation: to make money. And in our relatively capitalist society, it is supply and demand that dictates prices. If people were not willing and able to pay for the expensive sports tickets and franchises were not willing and able to pay the athletes such lucrative salaries, then tickets would be cheaper and athletes would be poorer. 

There are enough people to fill up stadiums, and therefore the sports industry will continue to do business as it does. And besides, what's often overlooked is how sports teams give back to the economy. When Connecticut basketball coach Jim Calhoun had his salary, the highest of any employee of the state, called into question during a press conference, an ongoing debate began about whether these state-employed coaches should take pay-cuts during these times. And while these pay-cuts would surely help out the state, Calhoun was right in defending his salary. As the coach said, the program brings $12 million dollars to the university each year. And the same can be said for professional sports franchises, which help stimulate the local economy through tourism and cross-promotions. 

Maybe it's not fair that Joe the Plumber can't take his kids out to the ball-game anymore, but if he really wants to, he can probably save up a few weeks salary do it, and if not, well nothing beats some quality father-son backyard catch. Because while I couldn't agree more that everyone should get to experience the thrill of sports in their lives, the experience doesn't have to come from sitting court-side at a playoffs game. While I will always remember the euphoria that comes with attending a Ravens game, I will cherish the times when it was just me and my dad throwing around the football in our yard even more. America is going through a hard time right now, and the country should be looking at sports as the solution instead of the problem.