So much has come from this game. The reputation of hockey is much more positive throughout the country, and a relatively unpopular sport -- compared to baseball, football and basketball -- will likely get much more attention. At least for now.If you are a baseball fan, as I am, you watched this game wishing one thing: that the ice was an infield, and the players were guys like Albert Pujols and Alex Rodriguez.
Hockey and Basketball have had the opportunity of sending their stars to the world stage, and the results have been very positive. But for Major League Baseball, the Olympic wish brings about many problems, and thus has halted the dream.
The Summer Olympics come right in the middle of the Baseball season. As it is, the MLB schedule is a tight one. With 162 games, and a long playoffs, MLB struggles to keep their games within the warm weather.
So, the wish of the Olympic Committee -- for MLB to stop their season and send their players to the Olympics -- is just not going to fit. It would not go over well, adding a two week break to an already prolonged season. Not to mention it would be right after the All-Star break.
It's a shame. The world is missing out on watching some of the best athletes out there, and the players are missing out on a chance to play on the world stage, and compete for a medal.
But, remember, baseball has made efforts to internationalize. They tried playing one game a year in Japan -- which didn't work out -- and the World Baseball Classic has been a huge success. I guess that will just have to be enough, for now.
jess.coleman@classactsports.com
twitter.com/nycoleman
