ESPN college football analyst Kirk Herbstreit is no stranger to sharing strong opinions, but his latest take on America's pastime has fans calling foul. On Monday, Herbstreit took to social media to amplify a rant from former Yankees catcher Jorge Posada, who said he can't watch today's game because it's become too analytical. Herbstreit doubled down with his own fiery critique, declaring that baseball has been “dying with the youth of America for years” and calling for a return to “small ball and athleticism.”
In a lengthy post, Herbstreit bemoaned the lack of clutch hitting, starting pitchers who go deep into games, stolen bases, and sacrifice bunts. He name-dropped legends like Tony Gwynn, Rod Carew, Wade Boggs, and Ichiro Suzuki, arguing that players like them “wouldn’t exist in today’s ridiculous HR or K ‘launch angle’ game.” He called the current product “dreadful” and claimed the sport is “losing the core fanbase.”
But the backlash was swift. Fans and baseball analysts quickly pointed out that Herbstreit's nostalgia doesn't match reality. For one, stolen bases are at an all-time high thanks to rule changes like larger bases and the pitch clock. In 2024, MLB saw the highest total stolen bases in a season since 1915, with 3,617 swipes. “Brother, the greatest player of all time exists right now and you’re complaining about no Tony Gwynn,” one user replied, referencing Shohei Ohtani’s historic two-way dominance.
Others noted that viewership and attendance have been on the rise. The 2024 World Series drew its largest audience in years, and games are faster and more action-packed than ever. “Baseball is now more watchable than at any point since the 1990s,” wrote one fan. “I’m sorry Posada had to spend most of his career in the vast wasteland that was early 2000s MLB.”
Herbstreit’s rant also drew comparisons to recent controversial sports commentary, where pundits are called out for speaking outside their expertise. Critics argued that Herbstreit, a football guy, should stick to what he knows. “This guy doesn’t watch baseball,” one commenter wrote. “Steals and baserunning are back in a huge way with the pitch clock and larger bases.”
Even the analytics he criticized are now widely accepted by teams and fans alike. Modern baseball emphasizes launch angle and power hitting, but it also rewards speed and athleticism more than ever. The era of the three-true-outcome hitter is giving way to a more dynamic game, with players like Elly De La Cruz and Bobby Witt Jr. blending power with blazing speed.
Herbstreit isn't alone in his frustration. Some purists still long for the days of complete games and small ball, but the numbers suggest that the sport's evolution is winning over a new generation. MLB’s recent rule changes have shortened game times and increased action, leading to a surge in youth participation and TV ratings. The league even celebrated its 250th anniversary with a star-studded Sunday lineup, as NBC went all-in with a patriotic broadcast.
For now, Herbstreit’s rant serves as a reminder that even passionate voices can miss the mark. The game he mourns may be changing, but it's far from dying. In fact, it might be healthier than it's been in decades.
