Baseball has transformed itself from stodgy, old, stuck in its ways PASTtime (heavy emphasis on PAST) to a resurgent, memeable, and exciting sport.

Attendance is up, viewership is up, and, at least from our perspective in the minor league level, merch sales are up. How baseball got there was taking an honest look at itself, embracing culture surrounding the game, and knowing its true product. 

These are core ideas any business can borrow. 

1. Sometimes change is mandatory.

Baseball had a problem: the teams had solved the game, and it was making fans lose interest. There were three true outcomes (homerun, strikeout, walk), the shift got so extreme that defenses were playing one side of the field, and the endless series of pitching changes made for games that were too long, too slow, and boring. What made for on-field success made for a bad product for everyone else.  

So they changed things. Pitch clocks, bigger bags to encourage aggressive base running, “batters faced” limits for pitchers, and changes to extra innings. They also are continuing this, introducing ABS and pitch challenges that are quick and automated (take notes, NBA). The Yankees even allow beards now!

These changes are not perfect, and the three true outcomes are as relevant as ever. But the takeaway for businesses here is that you can change things while still retaining the core of who you are. More often than not, the market will demand it of you.

2. Embrace culture

Baseball is now arguably the most memeable sport (try convincing someone that would happen 10 years ago). Last year’s biggest stories were a catcher the Internet dubbed “Big Dumper,” and the Savannah Bananas are likely one of the best things to ever happen to the sport. Baseball, to its credit, gave them a platform in their stadiums for Banana Ball. They could’ve crossed their arms and said “that’s not real baseball,” but they didn’t. They saw the popularity and saw it as a way to showcase their venues. 

The story for businesses here is to not be afraid of public conversation, but to find a way to emphasize and elevate it.

3. Know your true product

For minor league teams like The Florence Y’alls, Windy City Thunderbolts, and Sussex County Miners, they play baseball, but the product is baseball entertainment. They exist in this middle ground between outrageous Banana Ball and highly competitive pro ball. To try to compete with stats and players would misrepresent each fan’s true experience with the game, but to go too far down an absurd play route does a disservice to the players who still have a legitimate shot of making an MLB roster. So these teams have found you have to have outrageous fun while still representing the game in its true form. The answer there is culture.

For businesses, the takeaway here is that just because you’re selling a widget doesn't mean you’re a widget company. Get to the core of why people choose you and you’ll find creative opportunities to amplify what your business really is. 

NOW PLAY BALL!

Baseball’s turnaround has been swift by modern standards. To make change and turn the tide that fast took decisive, honest action to drive the evolution. That’s the biggest thing any business can learn from baseball’s revival. 

Inspiration for business is all around. You just need to know where to go to find it. It also helps when you have a partner who knows what to look for. That’s what we do at BLDG: we look at the world around us to build realities that help your business solve problems and build a successful vision.

To talk your business or just some baseball, contact us today.