Hello everyone. My name is Colin Greenbauer and it is March 23, 2009. Today I am going to be tackling an issue that may not be on your mind. We all love it, and many of us are even obsessed and addicted to it. Reality TV! I know that there might be many people who refuse to watch typical reality shows like American Idol or Dancing with the Stars, but there is still an overwhelming audience who are glued to their TV sets every week. These reality stars become more than just household names. They become friends, role models, counselors, and even lovers. People all over the world have bought into this cheap and dense style of television. Is it healthy for us viewers? Of course, it would not be an issue if everyone understood that there is a glass screen between us and them. But, not everyone is media literate and able to distinguish fantasy from reality. TV is a scapegoat. It’s a way for people to come together and not feel alone. But most importantly, its entertainment. I enjoy reality TV shows, but would just like to see more shows that have more substance. I need more from my reality TV viewing. In short, reality TV has hit the scene and made it big. It’s not going anywhere. People are immersed in this culture and it can become dangerous if people cannot discern the real from the fake. In order to combat this, we need to become more media literate and hopefully be able to view some fresh new shows that have little more going on then sex, alcohol, and models.
Thank you all for tuning in. I’m Colin Greenbauer, urging all of you to enjoy responsibly. Have a great night.
Monday, March 23, 2009
Monday, March 16, 2009
Selig's Strapping Stipend
Dear MLB Commissioner Bud Selig,
I am writing this letter as a concerned lifelong baseball fan. Baseball is America’s pastime. Even though it has taken many blows throughout the years, it always seems to find a way to brush it off and step back in the box. In the early days it was the Great Depression and the World Wars. In 1994, a labor strike hit due to salary cap issues. Recently, the era of steroids has marked its stain on our precious game; once again damaging baseball’s credibility to its players and fans.
I understand your job is not the easiest, but I hope you realize what a special opportunity you have to be a part of the greatest game under the lights. There are many problems you have faced as the Commissioner. Everything from young Latin American ballplayers lying about their age to make them seem younger to prospective ball clubs, to the slow start and potential failure of the World Baseball Classic, and of course, steroids. However, I am not writing to you to talk about these problems. My concern lies within the pockets of every baseball player, fan, executive, and you, the Commissioner.
According to Yogi Berra, “A nickel aint worth a dime anymore.” This was the good old days of baseball when players where not concerned entirely about what they were getting paid. They loved the game and played it with passion. Nowadays, players are making such ridiculous amounts of money that it makes real baseball fans wonder if those players can even spend that much money in one lifetime. I am sure the Babe would roll over in his grave if he knew what has happened to player’s salaries.
The fact is elite players of today are making too much money. They are not even showing up to spring-training until they can have an extra million in guaranteed cash or a couple million added to each year of their contract. This is absurd. What message are these role models sending the youth of baseball when they see these men not join their team for practice and conditioning because of money? I understand baseball is a big business worth a lot of money; however, is it worth to put a price on the greatest game this country has ever seen?
Let’s look at the numbers. Obviously, we can start with Alex Rodriquez who has signed the two largest contracts in baseball history. The Texas Rangers set the bar with A-Rod when they gave him a $252,000,000 contract from 2001-2010. He did not stay with Rangers, but was then given the largest deal in baseball history by the New York Yankees at $275,000,000 from 2008-2017. Granted he may not see every penny, but it is still astonishing to fans to see all these zeros given to one player. Arguably, he is the best player in the game, but there are still many players that can play at the same level and give him a run for his money. In return, they too want the large contracts.
Let’s now look at Manny Ramirez who will better help make my point. The plague of the Boston Red Sox is no giving headaches to the Los Angeles Dodgers. The man has not yet joined his club for spring-training because he is having contractual disputes between his agent and the club. He has been offered a two year, $45,000,000 deal; however, Mr. Ramirez wants more. He wants $25,000,000 a year and will not settle for less. Although he did not receive the deal he desired, he is now a Dodger and agreed to the initial deal proposed. One might blame this on his Agent Scott Boras, but one only has to look at the way Manny plays the game to realize he is all about the money. He might just be the best hitter in the game, but he does not hustle in the outfield and has even taken himself out of games. Many fans hate this and are losing respect for him everyday he does not put on a uniform.
I would also like to make an argument for those players who are underpaid. I understand there are rules surrounding contracts for rookie players and players with limited Major League service, but Tim Lincecum for the San Francisco Giants was the most dominating pitcher in all of baseball last season and even won the NL Cy Young award. He is not eligible for the big bucks yet, so he had to settle with an insulting deal of $650,000 for one year. The playing field needs to be equal and Lincecum deserves a big contract. Mr. Selig, if you are going to allow high profile players to make these types of numbers, then you need to make a change and allow every player to have the opportunity for large contracts.
Without a salary cap there is little anyone can do to stop these players from making the big bucks, but I am really writing to you because of your earnings. The players are not the only ones getting paid, you are too. According to Street and Smith’s Sports Business Journal, you made $18.35 million last year. That is a lot money Mr. Selig. Should a Commissioner be making this type of money? I am sure if you ask fans, writers, and even some players, they would say you are making too much.
I cannot ask you to turn down such dollar figures, but I can ask you to use some of the money to make the game of baseball better. This starts with the youth. Maybe some of your money along with other high profile players should be allocated for new ball-fields and leagues throughout the inner cities and poor areas of our country. Many major league players have been scouted since they were real young and had all the facilities they needed to make it to the Major Leagues. Unless an unfortunate child has phenomenal natural abilities, he is most likely not going to have the proper equipment or exposure to adequate coaching to enhance his skills.
How about this? Maybe you can use some millions to help lower ticket prices, parking, and concession stand prices so that more people can afford to make it out to the ball-park. The fans are the consumers of baseball, so maybe baseball can return the favor and give back to fans. I understand implementing a salary cap on baseball organizations would be virtually impossible; however, a maximum yearly salary for individual players is not too much to ask for.
You are the Commissioner of the greatest game ever played. With steroids aside, it is now up to you help bring baseball back to the fans. Please try and stop players form bellyaching about their contracts and simply, just play ball. Make this game fun again for everyone including the fans, players, and yourself. I am sure you have lost some sleep over what baseball has gone through during your time as Commissioner, but it really cannot be that hard to rest your head on that 18.35 million dollar pillow.
Sincerely,
Colin Greenbauer
Works Cited
"Baseball Money." 23 Oct. 2008 Online image. 16 Mar. 2009.
"Bud Selig." Oniline image. 16 Mar. 2009.
“Inside Alex Rodriguez’s Record Deal.” USAToday. 12 Dec. 2000 15 Mar. 2009.
Fisher, Eric. “Selig’s Pay Climbs Past $18 Million.” Street & Smith’s Sports Business Journal. 2 Feb. 2009 2 Mar. 2009.
“Lincecum, Giants Agree to $650K Contract.” Associated Press. 26 Feb. 2009 FOXSports.Com. 2 Mar. 2009.
“Rodriguez Finalizes $275 M Deal with Yankees.” Associated Press. 13 Dec. 2007 ESPN. 15 Mar. 2009.
Rosenthal, Ken. “Everyone is Happy’: Dodgers get Manny for $45 M.” FOXSports.com. 26 Feb. 2009 2 Mar. 2009.
“Yogi Berra Quotes.” BrainyQuote. 15 Mar. 2009.
I am writing this letter as a concerned lifelong baseball fan. Baseball is America’s pastime. Even though it has taken many blows throughout the years, it always seems to find a way to brush it off and step back in the box. In the early days it was the Great Depression and the World Wars. In 1994, a labor strike hit due to salary cap issues. Recently, the era of steroids has marked its stain on our precious game; once again damaging baseball’s credibility to its players and fans.
I understand your job is not the easiest, but I hope you realize what a special opportunity you have to be a part of the greatest game under the lights. There are many problems you have faced as the Commissioner. Everything from young Latin American ballplayers lying about their age to make them seem younger to prospective ball clubs, to the slow start and potential failure of the World Baseball Classic, and of course, steroids. However, I am not writing to you to talk about these problems. My concern lies within the pockets of every baseball player, fan, executive, and you, the Commissioner.
According to Yogi Berra, “A nickel aint worth a dime anymore.” This was the good old days of baseball when players where not concerned entirely about what they were getting paid. They loved the game and played it with passion. Nowadays, players are making such ridiculous amounts of money that it makes real baseball fans wonder if those players can even spend that much money in one lifetime. I am sure the Babe would roll over in his grave if he knew what has happened to player’s salaries.
The fact is elite players of today are making too much money. They are not even showing up to spring-training until they can have an extra million in guaranteed cash or a couple million added to each year of their contract. This is absurd. What message are these role models sending the youth of baseball when they see these men not join their team for practice and conditioning because of money? I understand baseball is a big business worth a lot of money; however, is it worth to put a price on the greatest game this country has ever seen?Let’s look at the numbers. Obviously, we can start with Alex Rodriquez who has signed the two largest contracts in baseball history. The Texas Rangers set the bar with A-Rod when they gave him a $252,000,000 contract from 2001-2010. He did not stay with Rangers, but was then given the largest deal in baseball history by the New York Yankees at $275,000,000 from 2008-2017. Granted he may not see every penny, but it is still astonishing to fans to see all these zeros given to one player. Arguably, he is the best player in the game, but there are still many players that can play at the same level and give him a run for his money. In return, they too want the large contracts.
Let’s now look at Manny Ramirez who will better help make my point. The plague of the Boston Red Sox is no giving headaches to the Los Angeles Dodgers. The man has not yet joined his club for spring-training because he is having contractual disputes between his agent and the club. He has been offered a two year, $45,000,000 deal; however, Mr. Ramirez wants more. He wants $25,000,000 a year and will not settle for less. Although he did not receive the deal he desired, he is now a Dodger and agreed to the initial deal proposed. One might blame this on his Agent Scott Boras, but one only has to look at the way Manny plays the game to realize he is all about the money. He might just be the best hitter in the game, but he does not hustle in the outfield and has even taken himself out of games. Many fans hate this and are losing respect for him everyday he does not put on a uniform.
I would also like to make an argument for those players who are underpaid. I understand there are rules surrounding contracts for rookie players and players with limited Major League service, but Tim Lincecum for the San Francisco Giants was the most dominating pitcher in all of baseball last season and even won the NL Cy Young award. He is not eligible for the big bucks yet, so he had to settle with an insulting deal of $650,000 for one year. The playing field needs to be equal and Lincecum deserves a big contract. Mr. Selig, if you are going to allow high profile players to make these types of numbers, then you need to make a change and allow every player to have the opportunity for large contracts.
Without a salary cap there is little anyone can do to stop these players from making the big bucks, but I am really writing to you because of your earnings. The players are not the only ones getting paid, you are too. According to Street and Smith’s Sports Business Journal, you made $18.35 million last year. That is a lot money Mr. Selig. Should a Commissioner be making this type of money? I am sure if you ask fans, writers, and even some players, they would say you are making too much.
I cannot ask you to turn down such dollar figures, but I can ask you to use some of the money to make the game of baseball better. This starts with the youth. Maybe some of your money along with other high profile players should be allocated for new ball-fields and leagues throughout the inner cities and poor areas of our country. Many major league players have been scouted since they were real young and had all the facilities they needed to make it to the Major Leagues. Unless an unfortunate child has phenomenal natural abilities, he is most likely not going to have the proper equipment or exposure to adequate coaching to enhance his skills.
How about this? Maybe you can use some millions to help lower ticket prices, parking, and concession stand prices so that more people can afford to make it out to the ball-park. The fans are the consumers of baseball, so maybe baseball can return the favor and give back to fans. I understand implementing a salary cap on baseball organizations would be virtually impossible; however, a maximum yearly salary for individual players is not too much to ask for.
You are the Commissioner of the greatest game ever played. With steroids aside, it is now up to you help bring baseball back to the fans. Please try and stop players form bellyaching about their contracts and simply, just play ball. Make this game fun again for everyone including the fans, players, and yourself. I am sure you have lost some sleep over what baseball has gone through during your time as Commissioner, but it really cannot be that hard to rest your head on that 18.35 million dollar pillow.
Sincerely,
Colin Greenbauer
Works Cited
"Baseball Money." 23 Oct. 2008 Online image. 16 Mar. 2009
"Bud Selig." Oniline image. 16 Mar. 2009
“Inside Alex Rodriguez’s Record Deal.” USAToday. 12 Dec. 2000 15 Mar. 2009
Fisher, Eric. “Selig’s Pay Climbs Past $18 Million.” Street & Smith’s Sports Business Journal. 2 Feb. 2009 2 Mar. 2009
“Lincecum, Giants Agree to $650K Contract.” Associated Press. 26 Feb. 2009 FOXSports.Com. 2 Mar. 2009
“Rodriguez Finalizes $275 M Deal with Yankees.” Associated Press. 13 Dec. 2007 ESPN. 15 Mar. 2009
Rosenthal, Ken. “Everyone is Happy’: Dodgers get Manny for $45 M.” FOXSports.com. 26 Feb. 2009 2 Mar. 2009
“Yogi Berra Quotes.” BrainyQuote. 15 Mar. 2009
Wednesday, March 4, 2009
Dear MLB Commissioner Bud Selig,
I am writing this letter as a concerned lifelong baseball fan. Baseball is America’s pastime even though it has taken many blows throughout the years. It always seems to find a way to brush it off and step back in the box. In the early days it was the Great Depression and War World II. In 1994, a labor strike hit due to salary cap issues. Recently, the era of steroids have marked its stain on our precious game; once again damaging baseball’s credibility to its players and fans.
I understand your job is not the easiest, but I hope you realize what a special opportunity you have to be a part of the greatest game under the lights. There are many problems you have faced as the Commissioner. Everything from young Latin American ballplayers lying about their age to make them seem younger to prospective ball clubs, to the slow start and potential failure of the World Baseball Classic, and of course, steroids. However, I am not writing to you to talk about these problems. My concern lies within the pockets of every baseball player, fan, executive, and you, the Commissioner.
Money! According to Yogi Berra, “A nickel aint worth a dime anymore.” This was the good old days of baseball when players where not concerned entirely about what they were getting paid, they loved the game and played it with passion. Nowadays, players are making such ridiculous amounts of money that it makes real baseball fans wonder if those players can even spend that much money in one lifetime. I am sure the Babe would roll over in his grave if he knew what has happened to player’s salaries.
The fact is elite players of today are making too much money. They are not even showing up to spring training until they can have an extra million in guaranteed cash or a couple million added to each year of their contract. This is absurd. What message are these role models sending the youth of baseball when the see these men not join their team for training or not even playing the game because of money? I understand baseball is a big business worth a lot of money; however, at what cost is it worth to put a price on the greatest game this country has ever seen.
Let’s look at the numbers. Obviously, we can start with Alex Rodriquez who has signed the two largest contracts in baseball history. The Texas Rangers set the bar with A-Rod when they gave him a $252,000,000 contract from 2001-2010. He did not stay with Rangers, but was then given the largest deal in baseball history by the Yankees at $275,000,000 from 2008-2017. Granted he may not see every penny, but it is still astonishing to fans to see all these zeros given to one player. Arguably, he is the best player in the game, but there are still a many players that give him a run for his money. In return, they too want the big bucks.
Let’s now look at Manny Ramirez who will better help make my point. The plague of the Boston Red Sox is no giving headaches to the Los Angeles Dodgers. The man has not yet joined his club for spring training because he is having contractual disputes between his agent and the club. He has been offered a two year, $45 million dollar deal; however Manny is being Manny and wants more. He wants $25 million a year and will not settle for less. Although just today he agreed on that deal and is now a Dodger. One might blame this on his Agent Scott Boras, but you only have to look at the way Manny plays the game to realize he is all about the money. He might just be the best hitter in the game, but he does not hustle in the outfield and has even taken himself out of games. Fans hate this and are losing respect for him everyday he does not put on a uniform and play ball.
I would also like to make an argument for those players who are underpaid. I understand there are rules surrounding contracts for rookie players and players with limited Major League service, but Tim Lincecum for the San Francisco Giants was the most dominating pitcher in all of baseball last season and even won the NL Cy Young award. He is not eligible for the big bucks yet, so he had to settle with an insulting deal of $650,000 for one year. The playing field needs to be equal and Lincecum deserves a big contract.
Without a salary cap there is little anyone can do to stop these players from making the big bucks, but I am really writing to you because of your earnings. The players are not the only ones getting paid, you are too. According to Street and Smith’s Sports Business Journal, you made $18.35 million last year. That is a lot money Bud. Should a commissioner be making this much dough? I am sure if you ask fans, writers, and even some players, they would say you are making too much.
I cannot ask you to turn down such dollar figures, but I can ask you to use some of the money to make the game of baseball better. This starts with the youth. Maybe some of your money along with other high profile players should be allocated for new ball fields and leagues throughout the inner cities and poor areas of our country. Many major league players have been scouted since they were real young and had all the facilities they needed to make it to the bigs. Unless, an unfortunate child has phenomenal natural abilities, he is most likely not going to have to proper equipment or exposure to adequate coaching to be able enhance their skills have a shot at the pros.
How about this? Maybe you can use some millions to help lower ticket prices, parking, and concession stand prices so that more people can afford to make it out to the ballpark. The fans bring in big bucks for baseball, so maybe baseball can return the favor and give back to fans.
You are the Commissioner of the greatest game ever played. With steroids aside, its now up to you help bring baseball back to the fans. Please try and stop players form bellyaching about their contracts and simply, just play ball. Make this game fun again for everyone including the fans, players, and yourself. I am sure you have lost some sleep over what baseball has gone through during your time as Commissioner, but it really cannot be that hard to rest your eyes on that 18.35 million dollar pillow.
Sincerely,
Colin Greenbauer, Baseball Fan
I am writing this letter as a concerned lifelong baseball fan. Baseball is America’s pastime even though it has taken many blows throughout the years. It always seems to find a way to brush it off and step back in the box. In the early days it was the Great Depression and War World II. In 1994, a labor strike hit due to salary cap issues. Recently, the era of steroids have marked its stain on our precious game; once again damaging baseball’s credibility to its players and fans.
I understand your job is not the easiest, but I hope you realize what a special opportunity you have to be a part of the greatest game under the lights. There are many problems you have faced as the Commissioner. Everything from young Latin American ballplayers lying about their age to make them seem younger to prospective ball clubs, to the slow start and potential failure of the World Baseball Classic, and of course, steroids. However, I am not writing to you to talk about these problems. My concern lies within the pockets of every baseball player, fan, executive, and you, the Commissioner.
Money! According to Yogi Berra, “A nickel aint worth a dime anymore.” This was the good old days of baseball when players where not concerned entirely about what they were getting paid, they loved the game and played it with passion. Nowadays, players are making such ridiculous amounts of money that it makes real baseball fans wonder if those players can even spend that much money in one lifetime. I am sure the Babe would roll over in his grave if he knew what has happened to player’s salaries.
The fact is elite players of today are making too much money. They are not even showing up to spring training until they can have an extra million in guaranteed cash or a couple million added to each year of their contract. This is absurd. What message are these role models sending the youth of baseball when the see these men not join their team for training or not even playing the game because of money? I understand baseball is a big business worth a lot of money; however, at what cost is it worth to put a price on the greatest game this country has ever seen.
Let’s look at the numbers. Obviously, we can start with Alex Rodriquez who has signed the two largest contracts in baseball history. The Texas Rangers set the bar with A-Rod when they gave him a $252,000,000 contract from 2001-2010. He did not stay with Rangers, but was then given the largest deal in baseball history by the Yankees at $275,000,000 from 2008-2017. Granted he may not see every penny, but it is still astonishing to fans to see all these zeros given to one player. Arguably, he is the best player in the game, but there are still a many players that give him a run for his money. In return, they too want the big bucks.
Let’s now look at Manny Ramirez who will better help make my point. The plague of the Boston Red Sox is no giving headaches to the Los Angeles Dodgers. The man has not yet joined his club for spring training because he is having contractual disputes between his agent and the club. He has been offered a two year, $45 million dollar deal; however Manny is being Manny and wants more. He wants $25 million a year and will not settle for less. Although just today he agreed on that deal and is now a Dodger. One might blame this on his Agent Scott Boras, but you only have to look at the way Manny plays the game to realize he is all about the money. He might just be the best hitter in the game, but he does not hustle in the outfield and has even taken himself out of games. Fans hate this and are losing respect for him everyday he does not put on a uniform and play ball.
I would also like to make an argument for those players who are underpaid. I understand there are rules surrounding contracts for rookie players and players with limited Major League service, but Tim Lincecum for the San Francisco Giants was the most dominating pitcher in all of baseball last season and even won the NL Cy Young award. He is not eligible for the big bucks yet, so he had to settle with an insulting deal of $650,000 for one year. The playing field needs to be equal and Lincecum deserves a big contract.
Without a salary cap there is little anyone can do to stop these players from making the big bucks, but I am really writing to you because of your earnings. The players are not the only ones getting paid, you are too. According to Street and Smith’s Sports Business Journal, you made $18.35 million last year. That is a lot money Bud.
Should a commissioner be making this much dough? I am sure if you ask fans, writers, and even some players, they would say you are making too much.I cannot ask you to turn down such dollar figures, but I can ask you to use some of the money to make the game of baseball better. This starts with the youth. Maybe some of your money along with other high profile players should be allocated for new ball fields and leagues throughout the inner cities and poor areas of our country. Many major league players have been scouted since they were real young and had all the facilities they needed to make it to the bigs. Unless, an unfortunate child has phenomenal natural abilities, he is most likely not going to have to proper equipment or exposure to adequate coaching to be able enhance their skills have a shot at the pros.
How about this? Maybe you can use some millions to help lower ticket prices, parking, and concession stand prices so that more people can afford to make it out to the ballpark. The fans bring in big bucks for baseball, so maybe baseball can return the favor and give back to fans.
You are the Commissioner of the greatest game ever played. With steroids aside, its now up to you help bring baseball back to the fans. Please try and stop players form bellyaching about their contracts and simply, just play ball. Make this game fun again for everyone including the fans, players, and yourself. I am sure you have lost some sleep over what baseball has gone through during your time as Commissioner, but it really cannot be that hard to rest your eyes on that 18.35 million dollar pillow.
Sincerely,
Colin Greenbauer, Baseball Fan
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