Bo Jackson, the celebrated former MLB All-Star, has voiced strong criticism of today's Major League Baseball, asserting that players are singularly focused on hitting home runs.
Jackson, 63, noted the significant financial rewards players now receive, even with relatively low batting averages, due to the game's emphasis on power hitting. "Everybody's trying to hit the home run. Hit it out of the park or strike out," Jackson stated, highlighting that players can earn millions annually while batting around .241.
He pointed to examples like Kyle Schwarber, who batted .240 last season but achieved 56 home runs and 132 RBI, leading to a substantial contract. Jackson argued this demonstrates how batting average has been devalued, with a shift towards on-base percentage and slugging.
Jackson drew a parallel to the NFL, comparing high-earning baseball players with low averages to scout-team players in football receiving disproportionate salaries. He also observed a decline in fundamental baseball strategies like base stealing and the hit-and-run.
During his eight-season MLB career, Jackson maintained a .250 batting average with 141 home runs. He also played four seasons in the NFL, amassing 2,782 rushing yards.