Forgotten lessons from Little League: Why don't MLB players shake hands after games?
Discussion questions:
- Is sportsmanship In sports at an all-time low? Why/why not?
- Why should/shouldn’t MLB teams shake hands after games?
- Is the MLB setting a bad example for young players by not shaking hands after games?
Personally, although this article highlighted the reduced sportsmanship seen in the MLB, especially after the game has ceased, I believe that sportsmanship has been at an all time high within the major sports. Sometimes it may be too much. Within the professional sports industry I can see the growth of relationships and friendships between players who are supposed to be rivals on the field or court of play. I see players on the court cracking jokes with opponents mid-game and a first baseman playfully taunting the batter after he hit a game tying RBI single. Although I understand that this is all just a game, it is also a livelihood for these professionals and it was evident that players hated to lose in decades priors such as the 1980's or 1990's. Then there were no post game heart-to-heart conversations or pats on the back after a good play. During this era there were constant fights and trash talking, or pitches at the head after one of your teammates had been hit prior. I do not think that MLB teams should shake hands after games because I believe that throughout the little league and high school ranks, shaking hands was just a formality or a requirement to teach children to respect their opponents but is something that eventually becomes a nuisance which is half hearted. The handshake line is where players mumble "good game" or are reluctant to stick out a hand to congratulate their opposition, especially after a grueling defeat.
ReplyDeleteI don't think sportsmanship is at an all time low and I don't think teams in the MLB need to shake either. While it may set a good example for younger athletes, most players would rather not shake hands with opponents after a game. After losing a game, no one wants to go and have to shake the other teams hand or say good game. Not only that but when you win a game it's not always people saying "good game" down the line. Sometimes people will make rude comments mocking the other team. The hand shake line after the game is just going to lead to fights happening throughout the league. However, a hand shake at the beginning of the game could work if someone really wanted to add it in somewhere. Before the game starts everyone feels decently neutral, maybe a little nervous, but no one is is extremely happy or upset which lowers the chance of a fight. The only time there are formal hand shake lines are at the beginning of soccer games and the end of playoff hockey series. Any other time hand shakes are given it is very informal in a blob like in the NFL or NBA. In most sports it doesn't make sense to do hand shakes because it is unnecessarily out of the way. After games players just want to go back to the locker room which is not in the center of the field. Hand shakes in professional sports are for the most part unreasonable and do not need to be implemented in pro sports to show younger people good sportsmanship.
ReplyDeleteAlthough in the MLB they don't shake hands at the end of the game I still believe that sportsmanship is at an all-time high. Although during some games it gets very heated after the game all the players respect each other for their talents. Over the past couple of years, I have been able to watch great friendships form on the court and on the field. Every baseball game I watch you always see two opposing players making jokes at second base or the batter talking with the catcher. Or on the basketball courts, you always see guys messing around with each other during warm-ups or at the end of the game. Or even at the end of an intense football game all the players shake hands in the middle meeting up with old players, they played with in high school. I do not think players should have to shake hands at all. After playing baseball for years, the handshake line was awkward and useless. We would all line up and shake hands and say good game without meaning it, in my opinion, it was always half-assed and meaningless. I do not think the MLB is setting a bad example. I think the MLB showing the relationships and respect throughout the game between the players is more than enough to teach kids about respect. I think most people agree that once you get past 5th or 6th grade, the handshake line at the end loses its meaning and gets nothing done.
ReplyDeleteI do not think sportsmanship in sports is at a low at all, in fact I think its at an all time high. With social media being ever so popular, athletes can now express how they feel for millions to see. I watch soccer and basketball the most, and during the game players on opposing teams have lots of tension, which is to be expected at the professional level. After the game is finished though especially in soccer, players hug, shake hands, swap jerseys, and talk to their opponents. This is because sports is supposed to be played with respect, so if there isn't any mutual respect sports it feels like players lack passion and are more worried about the money. It is obvious to me that MLB players and all sportsmen should shake hands after the game or match to show respect and class. If little boys and girls shake hands after their games, there is no reason that grown men playing baseball can not do the same. Players say that there will be fights if this happened; if players lacked the logic and decency to start a fight after a game is over in front of millions of people what message is that sending to little kids? The MLB is setting a horrible example to little kids because they are saying that players should respect others, and that they can not control themselves after a game has been completed. I do track and field, and although I am competing against people and I am highly competitive, that does not give me the justification to punch my opponent in the face when they are saying "good job," or "good game."
ReplyDeleteContrary to the claim of this article I believe that sportsmanship across the sports world is at an all time high. In todays world athletes are now given many different platforms to express and communicate among each other. Today we even see guys on different teams becoming close friends while still competing with each other. This is something that hasn't always been the case as many years ago guys that had to compete would despise each other. Although MLB teams may not shake hands after a game I do not feel that this has a direct correlation to sportsmanship issue. In other sports, shaking hands after a game is not a regular occurrence, and why should baseball be different. I believe that the values behind shaking hands in little league attests to teaching sportsmanship to young children. Shaking hands at a youth level is done in almost any youth team sport and as the competition grows older and more competitive that tradition naturally fades away. If sportsmanship is at an all time high in most sports without shaking hands why should baseball be different?
ReplyDeleteI believe that sportsmanship in sports is not at an all time low. I think this because may players show their good sportsmanship in other ways than lining up for hand shakes after games. There are instances where two players each on the rival team meet up before the game starts and are friendly to each other. There are other instances such as players from other teams helping each other after one gets injured. I think that many people see good sportsmanship as the handshakes at the end of the game but there is so much more than that. If people look more into what players do to have good sportsmanship then they can see that in no way has sportsmanship hit an all time low. I believe that sportsmanship will continue to increase over the years and create better players across sports from this.
ReplyDeleteAlthough the actions of MLB players have been deemed disrespectful, sportsmanship among professional teams in the US have been fantastic when it comes to carrying themselves in a competent manner. To say that sportsmanship is at an all time low is like saying that refs have been making really terrible calls lately. All aspects of a professional sport are dependent on the sport itself, the nature of the game, and the players. Luke Gregerson's story may be "hardly unique," however I personally believe that with all games of a competitive nature there comes those who are sore losers with immature attitudes. Having playing baseball/softball my whole life, it is definitely a different game in comparison to other team sports. Baseball is a game of personal loss. Striking out, missing a ground ball, small errors in fielding; it's a game that takes a strong mentality and a person willing to move on after a mistake. At the end of a game, if you've been struck out by the same pitcher all season and then this game, you're going to be inevitably salty. Therefore, when shaking hands, you may just ditch the action all together to not give the gratification of a good game. However, that behavior is extremely self-centered and down right narcissistic. The level of immaturity to get into "bad fights" after a loss is simply pathetic. An example of a sore loser is surprisingly enough Tom Brady himself. After the previous Superbowl loss, he ran out of the stadium immediately after the confetti was thrown down, not congratulating Manning or nay coaches on the field. What comes with such a high paying, high respect job, is the decency to be a good person. According to the Boston Globe, over 50 million children watch sports. These kids look up to players like Gregerson or Brady, and mirror their actions. What example does that set for them? A bad one. In conclusion, there is a simple fix to this problem. Man up.
ReplyDeleteThe topic of this article is very interesting because it is something that often goes unnoticed. While there are constantly issues of unsportsmanlike conduct in professional sports circulating in the media, small things like shaking hands after a game, are often not recognized. The lack of prominence of the basic sportsmanship that is taught through childhood sports nationwide in professional sports is something that should be changed in not only baseball, but all sports. Children look up to professional athletes often times as their main role models. If we do not expect basic acts of kindness out of the role-models for the children of our nation, how can we ask them to reciprocate those same desired actions.
ReplyDeleteWhile I believe it is important that small actions like these are implemented into professional sports the same way they are for children, I do not think that this represents an all time low level of sportsmanship. Athletes lives are constantly put on display for all to see through the constant influx of news and coverage of their lives on social media. Because of this, professional athletes in all sports must conduct themselves in a respectful manner at all times to avoid the negative backlash of both their fan-base and the opposing side.
I wouldn't say sportsmanship is at an all time low at all. I think respect is a huge deal in all sports now. I think that game respects game and players respect each other, of course you will get a few sports persons that dont want to respect each other but overall respect is a huge part to all sports. I think that MLB players should definitely shake hands, its a form of respect and its tradition for sports players to show respect to each other no matter the outcome. In other sports such as soccer they shake hands before and after, no matter the hatred or rivalry. I think that the MLB should also lead the way for little league players. They are the people that little league players look up to and follow. Its a small thing but it should be done to lead the way for little league players. Sports is filled with respect and good behaviour, they are on the main stage for all children across the US. It should be done throughout all games in order to lead a good example.
ReplyDeleteI don't think that the MLB is at an all time low for sportsmanship. This is because although the games are very intense and the players get heated throughout the game they still show there sportsmanship. Like throughout most games you can see the players on base talking to each other and ever sharing a laugh, which shows them just out there having a god time even though they are there to win. Also when players are out playing you can see if one of them goes down they are there to help each other, and even throughout interviews after the game they talk about the other team and how good they were and how well they played. I don't think that they should shake hands because it's just never been a thing in the MLB and we have never needed it because players have always had sportsmanship towards each other and you do see some player congratulating each other after the game. So I don't think that it is a thing we should put into the MLB
ReplyDeleteI think that MLB is unquestionably setting a bad example for young players by not shaking hands after games. Every little league player, every high school player even every baseball fan looks up to and idolizes the MLB players. Essentially, they want to be just like the professional players. The young children mimic what they wear and how they play, so it makes perfect sense that they would mimic how they act. All of this being said, it alone is not enough to make me believe that they should shake hands after the game. Personally, I do not see it as such a big deal that they do not shake hands after the game is over. I think that because every child who plays sports does it, and most other professional teams do as well, it has become somewhat meaningless. Additionally, Baseball compared to football and basketball is a much less intimate sport. What I mean by this is in basketball and football a key part of the game is to physically overpower your opponent, and they often get injured. This is why I think it makes sense to shake hands in these sports rather than shaking hands in baseball.
ReplyDeleteSportsmanship is not at an all-time low, and just because you don't shake hands after a game, it doesn't prove that it is low. When they play the game they are supposed to show sportsmanship, and whatever happens after doesn't matter. While you may shake hands after a game in little league, it doesn't mean you have to do it in professional sports. This is because at that level every player already has a level of respect for all of their competition and they show their sportsmanship through there playing. This is harder to do in little league. The MLB is setting a fine example already by always playing their best to their abilities out of respect for the other team. Normally if there is a big skill difference in two teams at the professional level, both teams try their hardest and that is a great example for children playing little league.
ReplyDeleteI believe that MLB teams should shake hands after games because it shows good sportsmanship by acknowledging the other team’s hard work. By not shaking hands, the MLB is setting a bad example for young players because instead of teaching kids to accept the fact that they lost and encounter other players who they don’t like, it can make kids think that it’s okay to be a sore loser and avoid uncomfortable situations just because they don’t want to shake hands with someone. As Baltimore Orioles second baseman Jonathan Schoop said in the article, "little league is about fun, and teaching respect.” One of the best ways to teach kids to show respect for other players, especially when they don’t want to, is by having them see their idols and role models do it frequently after their own games. Although some post game handshakes can and have caused fights, it is not the handshakes that start the problem. The fights stem from plays and interactions that happen beforehand and during the game causing players to be angry with themselves and one another. Even if players are hostile, inappropriate or rude behavior should not be tolerated when so many people are watching and following in their footsteps. Players should still shake hands to help them learn to control themselves and deal with discomfort when they want to avoid those situations. This will not only be good for the players and the reputation of teams, but it will also set a good example for little league players and all of the fans.
ReplyDeleteI don't think sportsmanship is at an all-time low. Although shaking hands after a well played game despite the outcome is the right thing to do, but it doesn't mean that it is bad sportsmanship to not shake hands. Players are taught at a young age about sportsmanship, and that is why little league games and youth soccer games end up with shaking hands. However, a professional athlete should know how to be a good sport, so shaking hands in some ways can seem unnecessary. MLB players are already setting a good example to their young admirers by playing the game to the best of their ability, while maintaining a set level of respect for the opposing team. Although some players may be dirty and a fight may break out (which sets a bad example), for the most part many MLB players show kids that you don't have to shake hands at the end of a game just to show respect, and that respect is shown during the game.
ReplyDeleteI do not think that sportsmanship is at an all-time low. However, I think there should be some improvements at the professional level. Kids are raised playing sports and are taught core sportsmanship values and most sports require kids to shake hands after games. It seems that athletes lose this as they grow into professionals and view sports as more of an occupations. There still are excellent sportsmen at the professional level, sportsmanship has not died, but it could use a boost. I don't think that professional sports should create a rule forcing players to shake hands, at that point it has gone too far. I think that the media needs to push for greater sportsmanship at the professional level, and it is up to the athletes to revive sportsmanship. I think the MLB and other major sports leagues are setting a bad examples from the youth. If the major sport leagues don't improve their standards, than the trend of bad sportsmanship will spread to the younger ages, and become the new norm.
ReplyDeleteI think sportsmanship is at an all time low in todays sports. I think there is a lot that needs to be done between the referees and players to fix this ongoing feud between the two groups. Youth sports do a great job teaching players how to be good sports, but somewhere in between then and professional sports, that sportsmanship is lost. MLB teams should shake hands after the game, although it shouldn't be a written rule that they have to do. It shows mutual respect and should be something they do voluntarily, not because of ruling. The MLB, along with many other professional leagues, are setting an awful example for youth players. These are their role models and they look up to them and copy a lot of actions those professionals make. So, shaking hands should be an unwritten, but expected, rule in professional sports.
ReplyDeleteI believe that sportsmanship is at an all time low. I think this because in the past sports was about enjoying playing the game and entertaining the people watching the game. In this day and age sports are about much more than that. Everyone is focused on winning. The players want to win and the fans want their teams to win but its gotten to a point where people take it too seriously and problems can arise from it. I think shaking hands at the end of a game is a sign of respect for the other team no matter what age you are. Of course some players may dislike players from other teams but at the end of the day sports is all about entertainment and players should not hold grudges with one another or be sore losers. I think it is very professional when even if a team loses, they can still show respect to the other team. I believe not shaking hands is setting a bad example for younger players because it is teaching them that if you cant beat the other team then should should show them disrespect. If you cannot show respect to the winning team and accept your lost, then you should not be playing the game
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ReplyDeleteI would not go as far to say that sportsmanship has reached an all time low. However, I would say that it is important for athletes to maintain a respectful reputation in order to maintain good sportsmanship. I think that the shaking of hands after games is an aspect of good sportsmanship, and sets a good example for young fans. Along with this though I feel that shaking hands should be optional for players to participate in after games. I dont think the MLB is setting a bad example by not shaking hands, but i think players should use their best discretion when in the public eye in order to teach kids important lessons in sportsmanship.