On the second day of the 2018 major league season (and part of the third day), the Chicago Cubs played a 17-inning game against the Florida Marlins. An hour before it began, Cubs TV announcer Len Kasper tweeted his dislike for long regular season games that reach an extreme amount of innings, i.e. anything over 12 innings. Great topic for discussion, right? It didn’t turn out that way.
Ok I’llsay it. The Pit-Det game should end in 10-10 tie. 12 inning reg season max. Blow out pen on DAY ONE? Neither team loses, the few thousand left in stands say they saw a wild game. Done. This shouldn’t be a controversial idea. So few games even go 12. @BoogSciambi amiright?
— Len Kasper (@LenKasper) March 30, 2018
I can only imagine what Len was thinking when the Cubs game went 17 innings. But the worst part of it all was that Len felt it necessary to defend his humanity as many fans personally attacked him on Twitter. One would’ve thought he tweeted, “Trump in 2020… keep America Great!”
And no, I want no part of starting extras with runner at 2B. My idea yesterday stands. And for all the “purists” out there, ties existed in baseball long ago. So I assume when they were eliminated, you balked at the rule change as messing with the sanctity of the sport.
— Len Kasper (@LenKasper) March 31, 2018
Baseball purists (on Twitter) can ruin social media for a lot of people. People attack others for having different views on politics, that’s a given… but baseball? You want to crucify someone for a different point of view about extra innings… or for playing Devil’s advocate. For goodness sakes, leave Len Kasper alone.
It’s unruly and rude Twitter users who turn thoughts into heated debates (instead of discussions) who have driven Len to use Twitter less often.
Welp this is why I’ve cut back on Twitter. Try to start fun baseball debate & discussion & reaction ranges from “you hate the game” to “quit your job” to “stop crying.” What a world.
— Len Kasper (@LenKasper) March 31, 2018
For those of us who enjoy Len’s baseball insights, agree or not, this is a true loss.
Keep up the great work Len! Here’s hoping the Cubs win in 9 tonight!