Context of the Problem
The proponents of introduction baseball league to community often argue that the economic benefits of the league are huge. However academic economists have cited a number of non viable statistical relationships amongst the varied measures of baseball league and economic growth. However this research is perhaps better placed in capturing the impact of baseball league because it is not subject to the different errors that are said to be experienced in the assessment of economic development made by advocates of the league (Kern, 2000, pp.78).
The advantages of introducing baseball league to area can be recognized from two perspectives; the quality of life benefits and the economic development benefits. The benefits of economic development can be measured in terms of changes in the economic results such as incomes, jobs and profits. Benefits relating to quality of life can be considered in terms of intangible social advantages that impact how the community looks at itself, the pattern in which community members behave and the contentment derived by community members (Kern, 2000 pp. 72).
Benefits related to the baseball league in the locality have now become close to and synonymous with the advantages associated with having a business. It is known that the main baseball leagues do not have a large number of franchises because of which there is intense competition amongst large cities that can support professional franchises. The strongest argument as to why baseball league should be introduced is that the community values the teams that thrive in the locality and hence they have a basis in rewarding them.
Additionally a baseball league implies that more young people will play games and may eventually become a strong reason for more talented players to join the teams in the future. Even if the baseball league is introduced there is no assurance that fans will be attracted to the games nor is there any guarantee that the teams will become more competent (Baade, 2005, pp 14).
Economic benefits primarily relate to profits derived by owners of the teams because they save a lot of money after paying players their dues. The new league will create new jobs and enhanced incomes. Extra jobs will be created in constructing a new facility, in operating the league and in other related businesses. There will be a jump in the number of restaurants and hotels that start operating from the vicinity of the area where it is played and those that are already there will have a significant jump in the number of customers that visit them. Personal income levels of the community will also increase with the increase in the number of available jobs. Tax revenues in terms of sales tax and income tax collections will shoot up as a consequence of the enhanced spending patterns in the vicinity of the playing ground as also because of the higher personal incomes (Zimbalist and Noll, 1997, pp 19).
A major reason for the quality of life benefits will be the consumer surplus arising due to increased attendance at the league. In this context, consumer surplus is defined as the difference between what a spectator is willing to pay for a place in the stadium and the kind of satisfaction and utility that he or she derives from the same. The local sports franchise can provide benefits for sports fans that have not attended a single game. Such fans can follow the footsteps of the franchisee on platforms such as the media and have discussions about the franchisee with colleagues, relatives and friends (Baade, 2005 pp 8).
Statement of the Problem
There are benefits to baseball league in an area. This research addresses both its pros and cons. baseball league has been said to benefit economic development, along with reducing operating costs for local fans that have to travel long distances to go and watch the game. There is also some concern about the potential harm that baseball league would have on young people, as well as the potential economic impact on the hospitality and tourism industries. The key is to formulate a framework within which baseball league can be evaluated to determine their potential benefits to the community.
Although this task of evaluation would seem like an easy one, it contains multiple hidden facets that complicate the process. With this in mind, it must be acknowledged that any evaluation of the potential benefits of baseball league would be lacking; it is nearly impossible to measure the hidden benefits of not have the league. But it is something that must be acknowledged in order to fairly consider whether to introduce it (Baade, 2005 pp 10).
The last step of an evaluation of the potential of baseball league would be to determine the potential of its implementation. No matter how attractive an idea might be in theory, it still must pass the various hurdles in its way before it can become practice.
Research Question
Introducing baseball league certainly holds potential as a positive economic and social transformation in an area. However, determining whether such a move is desirable, beneficial, or even necessary requires diligent research and questioning. As discussed above, this form of research requires a detailed and comprehensive approach, delving into all aspects of baseball league.
Is baseball league a beneficial to the community and government?
- How would baseball league improve economic performance of the locality?
- What sociological benefits does baseball league provide in an area?
- What is the social viability of baseball league?
- Would be playing it some areas be cost-effective?
The potential for economic gains through the baseball league is one of the main arguments of those who favor such league. Indeed, such a benefit would be greatly appreciated by a community that sees its results. Yet a detailed examination of the potential benefits and drawbacks that baseball league would have in this area is necessary to gain a full understanding of their viability.
Methodology
So as to properly discuss the issues arising, reliable statistical data and surveys was needed to be acquired. Such data and surveys came from government sources, private service provider companies, and independent research companies, academic, professional and individual sources (Creswell, 2009; Hennink, Hutter and Bailey, 2010).
Significance of the Study
Proponents of baseball league assert that such a league could help community to improve its economic development. Indeed, there have been some positive results that stem from baseball league in some areas. However, opponents of baseball league contend that these results are false. This study will be beneficial to both parties by shading light on the issues under contention about the league.
This study is significant to a number of players for various reasons. Government officials and school administrators will use it to design training grounds for the sport. The local community could use the report to identify benefit of the sport and support it introduction. The young people will understand the benefits of the sport. The point here is that the target audience for the paper is probably those in the government, yearning sportsmen, local community and financiers or supporters.
Summary of weakness of the existing literature review
The existing literature does not highlight the benefits to the local communities in detail. It does not use any statistics to capture the benefits that have accrued from baseball in the past. The contents of the existing literature review use a lot of work sheets and logs of activities of baseball but not benefits. In my opinion, the findings from the works carried out by researchers could have been incorporated rather than the granular details that the existing literature provides
Reference List
Baade, R. A. (2005). Professional Sports as Catalysts for Metropolitan Economic Development. Journal of Urban Affairs, 18(2); p. 1-18.
Creswell, J.W. (2009). Research design: Qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods approach. Thousand Oaks,CA: Sage Publications.
Hennink, M., Hutter, I., & Bailey A.(2010). Qualitative Research Methods. Thousand Oaks,CA Sage Pubns.
Kern, W. S. (2000). The Economics of Sport: Winners and Losers. Upjohn Institute for Employment Research.
Sekaran, U., & Bougie R. (2010), Research Methods for Business: A Skill Building Approach. New York: John Wiley and Sons.
Zimbalist, A. & Noll R. G. (1997). Sports, Jobs and Taxes: The Economic Impact of Sports Teams and Stadiums. Washington D.C: Brookings Institution Press.