TexasTerror
July 8th, 2005, 10:13 AM
Starting in 2012, there won't be anymore baseball or softball in the Olympics. I can see how softball is a problem for the Olympics considering the dominance of the US team these last few years and how softball has not developed worldwide like they hoped it would following become an Olympic sport.
According to the article that came out, baseball and softball are the first sports eliminated from the Olympics since polo in 1936. The article also noted that softball is the only female-only sport, which I didn't realize. Baseball isn't a sport the US has done well in either. 1988, though an exhibition year, was special as the US won gold in a very memorable Olympic clash featuring a team that include Jim Abbott's complete game against Japan. Baseball hasn't done so hot in recent years, not even qualifying in 2004 thanks to Mexico eliminating Team USA in what was a huge upset.
The IOC had to choose from golf, rugby, squash, karate and roller sports to add to the Olympics. Squash and Karate bit the dust. I'd love if they did roller sports as in the roller events that are similar in nature to the ice skating. The US has a dominance in those sports and could definitely pick up more medals there. Many roller skaters have transferred to ice skating due to lack of competition outside of world championships. I'd prefer golf over rugby as well, though I think the format should be altered. I also feel tennis should be altered into a team championship instead of M/W individuals and doubles play.
Thoughts on the elimination of baseball and softball?
According to the article that came out, baseball and softball are the first sports eliminated from the Olympics since polo in 1936. The article also noted that softball is the only female-only sport, which I didn't realize. Baseball isn't a sport the US has done well in either. 1988, though an exhibition year, was special as the US won gold in a very memorable Olympic clash featuring a team that include Jim Abbott's complete game against Japan. Baseball hasn't done so hot in recent years, not even qualifying in 2004 thanks to Mexico eliminating Team USA in what was a huge upset.
The IOC had to choose from golf, rugby, squash, karate and roller sports to add to the Olympics. Squash and Karate bit the dust. I'd love if they did roller sports as in the roller events that are similar in nature to the ice skating. The US has a dominance in those sports and could definitely pick up more medals there. Many roller skaters have transferred to ice skating due to lack of competition outside of world championships. I'd prefer golf over rugby as well, though I think the format should be altered. I also feel tennis should be altered into a team championship instead of M/W individuals and doubles play.
Thoughts on the elimination of baseball and softball?