Kirk Herbstreit goes off with complaints about modern Major League Baseball, gets everything wrong

Kirk Herbstreit's Critique of Modern Baseball: A Misunderstanding of the Game's Evolution

Kirk Herbstreit goes off with complaints - Major League Baseball has experienced a remarkable resurgence in recent years, with attendance figures climbing steadily and ratings reaching levels not seen in over a decade. Despite lingering debates about the direction of the sport, the 2025 World Series shattered expectations by drawing the highest domestic viewership since 2017, with Game 7 alone attracting 51 million combined viewers across the United States, Canada, and Japan. These numbers reflect a broader trend of growth, particularly for smaller-market teams like the White Sox, Blue Jays, and Mariners, which have seen substantial fan engagement. Meanwhile, advancements such as the new ABS challenge system have been largely embraced, enhancing the pace of play and injecting fresh excitement into the game. Yet, amid this progress, football analyst Kirk Herbstreit has taken to social media to lambaste the modern iteration of baseball, claiming it has lost its essence and core fanbase.

Attendance and Engagement on the Rise

The past few seasons have been a testament to baseball's ability to attract audiences. Teams such as the White Sox, Blue Jays, and Mariners have not only maintained their popularity but have also seen significant increases in their fanbases. This growth is attributed to a combination of factors, including improved marketing strategies, the appeal of young stars, and the dynamic nature of the game itself. For instance, the 2025 World Series, with its high-scoring games and thrilling finishes, demonstrated that the sport remains relevant to a wide audience. The rise in ratings and television broadcasts further underscores this shift, as more viewers are tuning in to witness the action, especially during critical moments like the playoffs.

Athleticism and Performance Metrics

One of the most striking aspects of modern baseball is the level of athleticism displayed by players. The emergence of pitchers like Jacob Misiorowski, who recently shattered his own record with a 105 mph fastball, highlights the game's evolving nature. Misiorowski’s performance is not an isolated incident; it is part of a larger trend where athletes are pushing the boundaries of what is possible. This is evident in the success of multi-faceted talents such as Shohei Ohtani, who continues to dominate as both a hitter and a pitcher, showcasing an unprecedented level of versatility in the sport. The combination of enhanced training techniques, nutritional science, and biomechanical advancements has enabled players to perform at higher levels, ensuring that the game remains as exciting as ever.

Herbstreit’s recent critique, however, suggests that the game is in decline. In a lengthy post on X, he lamented the loss of "athletic ability" in baseball, stating, "Where did the athletic ability go? Clutch hitting in the 8th and 9th inning? Starting pitching that goes 8 or 9 innings? Base stealing—hell just good base running and SPEED?!" His words paint a picture of a sport that has sacrificed its traditional strengths for a more power-driven approach. Yet, this perspective overlooks the reality that modern baseball is not only maintaining but also enhancing its athletic standards. The increase in average fastball velocity from 90.4 mph in 2008 to 95 mph today is a direct result of players' improved physical conditioning and training regimens.

The Fallacy of "Small Ball"

Herbstreit's argument hinges on the idea that "small ball" is being replaced by a more aggressive, power-focused strategy. He criticizes the current era for lacking the classic elements of the game, such as clutch hitting and base stealing. However, the data tells a different story. In 2024, there were 3,617 stolen bases league-wide, surpassing the 1980s record of 3,585. This increase, coupled with a 80% success rate in 2024 compared to a dismal 67% in 1986, indicates that base running remains a vital component of the game. Teams have adapted their strategies to optimize stolen bases, recognizing that they are valuable only when executed successfully.

Moreover, the modern game has seen a renaissance in pitching performance. The Royals’ pitcher, for example, was recently struck by a 107 mph liner, a testament to the increased velocity and precision of contemporary hurlers. This phenomenon is not limited to a few outliers; it is a reflection of the overall improvement in the sport. As pitchers continue to refine their techniques and push the limits of their physical capabilities, the game has become more challenging for hitters, even as offensive production remains strong. Players like Aaron Judge and Cal Raleigh have managed to thrive in this environment, proving that athleticism and skill are not in decline but rather evolving.

Herbstreit's Misinterpretation of the Game's Dynamics

While Herbstreit's concerns are valid, his understanding of modern baseball is incomplete. He argues that starting pitchers no longer complete 8 or 9 innings, attributing this to a lack of endurance and athleticism. However, statistical analysis reveals that the average number of innings pitched by starters has decreased over the years due to the "third time through the order penalty." This penalty refers to the natural decline in effectiveness that occurs when a pitcher faces the same hitters multiple times in a single game. As a result, teams are more inclined to use fresh relievers to maintain competitive advantage, a strategic shift that has been supported by data and is not a sign of the game's deterioration but rather an evolution of tactics.

Herbstreit also misses the mark when it comes to the legacy of 1980s stars like Tony Gwynn, Rod Carew, and Wade Boggs. These players exemplified the kind of skill and adaptability that remain crucial in today’s game. Their ability to perform consistently under pressure and maintain high levels of play is still relevant, as evidenced by the continued success of athletes like Ichiro Suzuki, who have navigated the modern landscape with grace. The argument that these icons would not exist in today’s "HR or K launch angle game" is a nostalgic overstatement, failing to acknowledge the versatility required in a game where both power and precision are now essential.

Revisiting the Roots of the Game

Despite his criticism, Herbstreit’s comments inadvertently highlight the game’s ability to adapt and innovate. The rise of analytics and new technologies has transformed how teams approach strategy and player development, but this has not come at the expense of athleticism. In fact, the increased physical demands of the sport have led to a new generation of players who are as agile and powerful as their predecessors. The examples of Misiorowski and Mason Miller, who consistently throw at or above 100 mph, illustrate this point. Their performances are a result of rigorous training and a deeper understanding of biomechanics, not a regression in skill.

Herbstreit's frustration with modern baseball is understandable, but it is rooted in a misperception of the game's trajectory. The 2025 World Series, with its high viewership and dramatic moments, stands as a counterexample to his claim that the sport is dying. Fans continue to support baseball, even as it embraces new elements that enhance the viewing experience. The evolution of the game is not a loss of tradition but a testament to its ability to innovate while retaining its core values. By focusing on the past rather than the present, Herbstreit risks overlooking the dynamic changes that have revitalized baseball for a new era of fans and players alike.

Ultimately, the narrative of baseball’s decline is overstated. The sport has not only survived but thrived, with attendance, ratings, and player performance all on the rise. The integration of advanced analytics, the emphasis on athleticism, and the strategic evolution of the game have all contributed to its continued relevance. As long as there are fans willing to watch and players eager to perform, baseball will remain a vibrant and evolving sport, proving that even in a changing landscape, the essence of the game endures.