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Research Note: What Takes Them Out to the Ball Game?

Author

Listed:
  • Martin B. Schmidt

    (The College of William and Mary)

  • David J. Berri

    (California State University, Bakersfield)

Abstract

The game of baseball was an integral part of life in 20th-century America. The relation baseball had with its fans, though, evolved as the game moved from quiet pastime to a multibillion dollar business. As the presented evidence will suggest, consumer demand at the close of the 20th century was less about loyalty to ‘our team’ and more about winning. Possible explanations for this trend are greater competition, labor-management strife, free agency, and a general change in the focus of sports away from simple quiet pastimes to one of profit-maximizing business.

Suggested Citation

  • Martin B. Schmidt & David J. Berri, 2006. "Research Note: What Takes Them Out to the Ball Game?," Journal of Sports Economics, , vol. 7(2), pages 222-233, May.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:jospec:v:7:y:2006:i:2:p:222-233
    DOI: 10.1177/1527002504271352
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

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    3. Michael C. Davis, 2009. "Analyzing the Relationship Between Team Success and MLB Attendance With GARCH Effects," Journal of Sports Economics, , vol. 10(1), pages 44-58, February.
    4. Todd Nesbit & Kerry King, 2010. "The Impact of Fantasy Football Participation on NFL Attendance," Atlantic Economic Journal, Springer;International Atlantic Economic Society, vol. 38(1), pages 95-108, March.
    5. Todd M. Nesbit & Kerry A. King-Adzima, 2012. "Major League Baseball Attendance and the Role of Fantasy Baseball," Journal of Sports Economics, , vol. 13(5), pages 494-514, October.
    6. Dennis Coates & Brad R. Humphreys, 2008. "The Effect of On-Field Success on Stock Prices: Evidence from Nippon Professional Baseball," Working Papers 0805, International Association of Sports Economists;North American Association of Sports Economists.
    7. Yang-Ming Chang & Shane Sanders, 2009. "Pool Revenue Sharing, Team Investments, and Competitive Balance in Professional Sports A Theoretical Analysis," Journal of Sports Economics, , vol. 10(4), pages 409-428, August.
    8. Martin B. Schmidt, 2024. "On the Incentive Structure of Tournaments: Evidence from the National Basketball Association’s Draft Lottery," Eastern Economic Journal, Palgrave Macmillan;Eastern Economic Association, vol. 50(3), pages 400-429, June.

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