Government interference in a private enterprise has occurred as long the game has been played. Baseball and its fans can manage without politicans.
Over the last few years, politicians have been involved in baseball, primarily because certain drugs are bad for us and the government doesn't want some of our role models to exert a negative influence on the youth of America, but government interference in private enterprise has occurred as long the game has been played. It has hurt the game.
Two Admissions for Two Games
There used to be something called a "doubleheader." Teams would play two games on the same day and individuals who wanted to attend them paid an admission fee before the first game, which entitled them to see the second game for "free." The Brooklyn Dodgers, no relation to the team in Los Angeles, played in a small ballpark that held only about 32,000 customers. President and general manager Branch Rickey decided that it would be advantageous to his team's revenues if fans paid to see the second game of a twin bill, which was not a new concept. For many years, it had been common practice on holidays to have one game in the late morning and a second game in the afternoon with separate admissions. With the passage of time, it became financially advantageous to play a "regular" afternoon doubleheader, but then Mr. Rickey decided to try the split. The politicians didn't think that was right.
The New State Legislature Gets Involved
In 1950, a bill was introduced in the New York State legislature to outlaw the two price, split doubleheader. Of course, that never happened, but it illustrates how the government goes where no government must ever go. Branch Rickey could have charged whatever the market would bear. Fans have the choice of paying or staying home. If enough fans stay home, Mr. Rickey would have to change his policies. The government had no place in dictating how the Brooklyn Dodgers should be run.
Fans Have Choices
In 2008, it is no different. The World Champion Boston Red Sox, who play in a ballpark whose capacity is only slightly greater than Brooklyn's Ebbets Field used to be, have the highest average ticket price of about $48, but if the Yankees included the price of premium seating, the Yankees would be ahead of the Sox in at least one category. Regardless, no one forces fans to pay such prices. Since both teams are virtually sold out for the season, tickets can be purchased on the secondary market, which means that fans with tickets to a specific game can sell their tickets to other fans for whatever the market will bear. There are virtually no scalping laws in New York State, thanks to former governor and statesman Eliot Spitzer.
Abner Powell and Ladies Day
The government was successful in dictating policy to baseball a few years ago. A former baseball player named Abner Powell came up with the concept of "Ladies Day" in 1887. In the 1950s, Mel Allen would tell fans that "Tomorrow is a ladies day doubleheader. Mom and daughter each for a quarter." The politicans ended that promotion.
$2,500 For a Seat
Sports are a private enterprise. No laws exist that force fans to submit to extortion. Red Sox general manager Theo Epstein doesn't stand out Fenway Park and pull fans in with a cane. The good citizens of Boston fall over each other attempting to pay whatever the Sox demand to enter the ballpark. The New York Yankees will charge $500 to $2,500 for seats near home plate in the first 5 to 8 rows of their new park which opens in 2009. The team has already gotten commitments to buy for all 122 of the front-row seats. It is not the job of politicians to protect the foolish.
References:
Daley, Arthur. "Sports of the Times: Touching All Bases." New York Times. 28 February 1950, p. 33.
