NationStates Jolt Archive

http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,161893,00.html

This really pisses me off! Damn the IOC for cutting these two sports! Why don't they cut archery or something else.

I am deeply disappointed in the IOC!

Bring them back for 2016!

You don't even have to be physically fit to play the two sports. Any fat bastard can get off his recliner, pick up a bat, and be the next Babe Ruth. Seriously.

It never should've been an Olympic sport. Good riddance.

They've been on life support for years as per the Olympics--I can't say I'm surprised it happened, and honestly, if it keeps the US from attempting to field another "Dream Team" like they did in basketball for so long, then so much the better.

Yeah, and no-one outside the US or Japan plays those two either. Thats probably why they dropped them.

The cuts were made democratically by the voting members of th IOC. Do you have a problem with that?

Also why should sports that are essentially played only in one or two countries and that need special stadia be included. Archery requires an open field. Baseball needs a little more than that.

There are many other sports that are much more widely practiced that are no longer included. Golf, Rugby and Cricket for example.

Yeah, and no-one outside the US or Japan plays those two either. Thats probably why they dropped them.
Riiiiight--because Latin America and Canada and a pretty large chunk of the Far East don't actually exist.

Yeah, and no-one outside the US or Japan plays those two either. Thats probably why they dropped them.

Actually, I suggest you check your score card. Most nations play Baseball :rolleyes:

The cuts were made democratically by the voting members of th IOC. Do you have a problem with that?

Not with the process itself no. The fact that these two were cut, yes! :D

Also why should sports that are essentially played only in one or two countries and that need special stadia be included. Archery requires an open field. Baseball needs a little more than that.

Then I guess you can rule out the Far East, Europe, North America, and latin america then because they all play this too.

There are many other sports that are much more widely practiced that are no longer included. Golf, Rugby and Cricket for example.

Golf should be one I agree. Rugby? I might watch. Cricket? No.

I really couldn't care less for baseball and softball, but that's mainly because I don't know anything about them. Nobody around here plays baseball (at least not on a professional level) and it's really no fun watching it if you don't know the rules.

As a cricket fan, Ive never got the point of Baseball/Softball and resented being forced to play it at school, when I could have played better sports. And anyway it's not as if the Olympic Baseball competition was a contest, especially with the US fielding a dream team. I hoped Rugby 7's or Squash would be included as they are exciting to watch, have a big global appeal and Britain would have a chance of gaining a few more medals.

Although I'm a baseball fan (Go Nationals! Expos 4 Life!), I guess there's more internationally competitive sports out there that deserve a spot.

I really couldn't care less for baseball and softball, but that's mainly because I don't know anything about them. Nobody around here plays baseball (at least not on a professional level) and it's really no fun watching it if you don't know the rules.


Yeah, God forbid you try to learn and appreciate something new.

The Olympics should be about diversity. Enough countries can field competetive baseball teams to make the sport worthwhile to play in the Olympics.

And anyway it's not as if the Olympic Baseball competition was a contest, especially with the US fielding a dream team.

We did? No we haven't. None of the stars wanted to play. We won our gold medal in 2000 using college kids. That's right, college kids over Cuban pros :eek: As for Softball...we can't help it if that is all these people ever played. Shall we eliminate women's soccer because we are strong there too? How about basketball? We do dominate both men's and women's. *shrugs*

I still want to see bowling :D

Although I'm a baseball fan (Go Nationals! Expos 4 Life!), I guess there's more internationally competitive sports out there that deserve a spot.

Ok, I'll grant you this. Thank you for being honest :)

I hope the nationals make the playoffs. That'll be cool :)

We did? No we haven't. None of the stars wanted to play. We won our gold medal in 2000 using college kids. That's right, college kids over Cuban pros :eek: As for Softball...we can't help it if that is all these people ever played. Shall we eliminate women's soccer because we are strong there too? How about basketball? We do dominate both men's and women's. *shrugs*

I still want to see bowling :D

Actually, if you hadn't noticed the Germans are a dab hand at Women's Football, while im not a basketball fan either so I wouldn't mind if that happened to disappear from the olympics. lol :D

You don't even have to be physically fit to play the two sports. Any fat bastard can get off his recliner, pick up a bat, and be the next Babe Ruth. Seriously.

It never should've been an Olympic sport. Good riddance.

But speed walking, archery, and rowing require super-athletes?

We did? No we haven't. None of the stars wanted to play. We won our gold medal in 2000 using college kids. That's right, college kids over Cuban pros :eek: As for Softball...we can't help it if that is all these people ever played. Shall we eliminate women's soccer because we are strong there too? How about basketball? We do dominate both men's and women's. *shrugs*

I still want to see bowling :D
Well, to be fair, pro baseball players haven't been able to play on Olympic teams because the season is going on, and no team is going to let a star go during the heat of a pennant race, so our Olympic teams have been made up of college kids and pros past their prime who haven't been in the majors for a while. And we got hot in the 2000 Olympics--the '04 Olympics was about where we are competitively most of the time.

And as for basketball, the rest of the world has more than closed the gap--we haven't medaled in the World Championships for the last couple of years.

But speed walking, archery, and rowing require super-athletes?
You are joking right?
Rowing! have you actually seen those guys? You do understand the concept of a rowing machine as a piece of fitness equipment don't you?

Speed walking is pretty tough cos going fast and not lifting your heels is a pretty un-natural action.

Archery...you've got a point. But those people really prctice hard.

Baseball is the american equivalent to cricket. There are very few countries that play it seriously and who could field a competative team. Also we don't want it in the Uk cos it's just like rounders which is a game for little girls.
:p

Just to point this out - the US didn't even have a team in the Athens Olympics - they lost to Mexico in a quailfier.

Rowing! have you actually seen those guys? You do understand the concept of a rowing machine as a piece of fitness equipment don't you?
I agree. My dad does sport rowing during the summer and when I watch him it's like he glides through the water easily. I can't even get one stroke across.

I agree. My dad does sport rowing during the summer and when I watch him it's like he glides through the water easily. I can't even get one stroke across.
Yeah, like many things, it looks easy so people think it must be easy.
I flail around like a landed fish when I'm in a boat but I can really feeel the pull on my shoulders, upper arms, stomach, back legs....infact pretty much every where.

Then I guess you can rule out the Far East, Europe, North America, and latin america then because they all play this too.
On that basis I could claim that Rugby is played in the USA. (It is, I have actually played against a team from thr USA.) Is it competitive in all of those places. No. There are three countries that have truly competitive Baseball. The USA, Japan and Cuba. As for softball, I have no idea where it is played outside of the USA. Yes you will find teams in other countries. There are even a couple of teams here in Brazil. But they are not Olympic standard, and as The Nazz points out, even the USA does not send up to standard players to the Olympics for baseball. As such it should be excluded.



Golf should be one I agree. Rugby? I might watch. Cricket? No.
On a worldwide scale cricket is far more popular than most Olympic sports. The Twenty20 competition could easily be adapted for Olympic use.

http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,161893,00.html

This really pisses me off! Damn the IOC for cutting these two sports! Why don't they cut archery or something else.

I am deeply disappointed in the IOC!

Bring them back for 2016!
Because team sports don't belong in the Olympics, they have their own shit, they don't need to be taking up time at the olympics

Good. I'm glad both of these events have been dropped. As far as I'm concerned, there are two criteria that should be followed where Olympic events are concerned.

a) Commonality. Is a given sporting event common to a majority of nations?

b) Historical context. Events such as the decathlon, which have their basis in the Olympics of old, must be maintained at all costs.

Sporting activities uncommon to a majority of participating nations preclude a reasonable competition. So whereas Canada might clean up at a log-rolling event, It's hard to imagine anyone else doing the same, hence no Olympic log-rolling event.

Several years ago, I'd heard the IOC had seriously considered doing away with the decathlon, as ticket sales were dwindling for that event, even as they were considering giving approval to Olympic beach volleyball. Luckily, someone pointed out that decathlon is the actual heart and soul of the Games, and shelved the idea.

Softball and baseball may be more of a big deal in the Americas, but the game involving balls hit with sticks in a field the rest of the planet is concerned with is Cricket. Or possibly field-hockey.

Sorry about softball and baseball. Guess that's just the way it goes.

On that basis I could claim that Rugby is played in the USA. (It is, I have actually played against a team from thr USA.) Is it competitive in all of those places. No. There are three countries that have truly competitive Baseball. The USA, Japan and Cuba. As for softball, I have no idea where it is played outside of the USA. Yes you will find teams in other countries. There are even a couple of teams here in Brazil. But they are not Olympic standard, and as The Nazz points out, even the USA does not send up to standard players to the Olympics for baseball. As such it should be excluded.




On a worldwide scale cricket is far more popular than most Olympic sports. The Twenty20 competition could easily be adapted for Olympic use.

Twenty20 would be brilliant as it suits more peoples taste than Test or ODI and it would be a guranteed sell out every time.

Ihatevacations']Because team sports don't belong in the Olympics, they have their own shit, they don't need to be taking up time at the olympics

Then Dump Archery, Basketball, Fencing, Soccer, Field-Hockey, Handball, Gymnastics, as well as Baseball and Softbal and every team sport that is in the SUmmer Games. There are several.

Before anyone points out Gymnastics and Fencing and Archery, there are team competitions there as well.

http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,161893,00.html

This really pisses me off! Damn the IOC for cutting these two sports! Why don't they cut archery or something else.

I am deeply disappointed in the IOC!

Bring them back for 2016!
Yaaaaaaayyyyyy!!! :p

I'd be okay with cricket and field hockey. Pakistan rocks at those :p

Then Dump Archery, Basketball, Fencing, Soccer, Field-Hockey, Handball, Gymnastics, as well as Baseball and Softbal and every team sport that is in the SUmmer Games. There are several.

Before anyone points out Gymnastics and Fencing and Archery, there are team competitions there as well.

Archery, no.
Basketball, sure.
Fencing, no.
Soccer, no.
Field-Hockey, no.
Handball, no.
Gymnastics, no.
Baseball, yes.
Softball, yes.

Not because of 'team play', but due to commonality (or lack thereof) and/or historical context. Just my take on things.

We need some Jai Alai and the original Greek wrestling. None of this safety shit. I want to see people lose unconditionally!

But speed walking, archery, and rowing require super-athletes?
Do I detect sarcasm or is this guy serious?

Do I detect sarcasm or is this guy serious?
I was wondering that too, and you know... I think he might be serious.

I say we bring back naked oil wrestling.

I say we bring back naked oil wrestling.

And this from a Muslim? :eek: :D

good riddance - those are crappy sports anyway.

Since its being held in london, how about some good traditional london sports:

o Olympic binge drinking
o Olympic over-paid football spitting (distance and content league)
o Olympic "running from the police around Hackney"
o Olympic "being a lager lout yob beating up old age pensioners"
And many more!

I always thought that sports like baseball softball basketball etc. wer kind of out of place in the olympics, and im really not to sad to see two of em go

well as a baseball player, its unfortunate that the game has been nixed, however, i feel that it didn't belong there anyway. The game is too slow and is not well known on the international scale, for instance the Greeks didn't even have a single feild in the entier country prior to the olympics (the only ones there were on US military bases). As for softball, it is way to one-sided, i don't think the US team even gave up a single run in Athens, people don't want to watch gold medel games that are complete blowouts.

On the otherhand, i would really enjoy seeing rugby in the olyimpics.

And this from a Muslim? :eek: :D

lol ... well I don't live in a cave ;)

I quit watching the Olympics when they began expanding the games played at the Olympics (rhythmic gymnastics = gymnasts who can't cut it in normal gymnastics, synchronized swimming = campy hollywood productions from well before any of us were born) and changed it to every two years. They ruined the Olympics and now it's just a farce anyway. I watch and love baseball (go Dodgers... if we can stay healthy long enough to field a team), but I could care less if it's in the Olympics. The Olympic version of Baseball is a watered down version anyway... it's like light beer (YUCK!).

lol ... well I don't live in a cave ;)

HAHA!! True :)

As a baseball fan(Red Sox fan, to be precise), I am outraged. We aren't the only ones that play. Here in Latin America, Baseball is HUGE(at least in Central America and Hispaniola). In Japan its big. In Canada, it's not so big but it's still played.

Also, we do not have a monopoly on Baseball. In Athens, we weren't even in the olympics(at least not our Baseball team), because the Mexicans beat us.

And though I am not for-or-against cricket(I lived in Pakistan, and I tried to play seeing how everyones a fanatical fan, but I just got lost and confused on the scoring system), it isn't played in alot of countries either(basically just countries that were part of the British Empire), so if Baseball doesn't get it, neither should Cricket.

Then Dump Archery, Basketball, Fencing, Soccer, Field-Hockey, Handball, Gymnastics, as well as Baseball and Softbal and every team sport that is in the SUmmer Games. There are several.

Before anyone points out Gymnastics and Fencing and Archery, there are team competitions there as well.
Are archery anfd fencing team sports, i'm pretty sure archery is not a "team" sport the way baseball is
basketball and the rest should get the boot too

Ihatevacations']Are archery anfd fencing team sports, i'm pretty sure archery is not a "team" sport the way baseball is
basketball and the rest should get the boot too, maybe not soccer

Why not soccer? Its a team competition. Don't start trying to single out individual team sports now.

Why not soccer? Its a team competition. Don't start trying to single out individual team sports now.
I thought about it and changed it, the soccer league is already worldwide, far mroe so than baseball or basketball

We need some Jai Alai and the original Greek wrestling.

Ah, traditionalism. Naked, coated liberally in olive oil...does it for me. Of course, you know how those matches would end, don't you?

Again, it works for me, but the actual buggering might be a bit much for the American viewers, of course.

Ah, traditionalism. Naked, coated liberally in olive oil...does it for me. Of course, you know how those matches would end, don't you?

Again, it works for me, but the actual buggering might be a bit much for the American viewers, of course.

Where do I sign up?

Ah, traditionalism. Naked, coated liberally in olive oil...does it for me. Of course, you know how those matches would end, don't you?

It would end up in hot, hot sodomy, of course.

Since its being held in london, how about some good traditional london sports:

o Olympic binge drinking
o Olympic over-paid football spitting (distance and content league)
o Olympic "running from the police around Hackney"
o Olympic "being a lager lout yob beating up old age pensioners"
And many more!

Olympic shandy drinking? :D

What's that? The Americans excel in it? Quick, get rid of it.

What's that? The Americans excel in it? Quick, get rid of it.

We don't excel in Baseball. And if we follow your logic, then get rid of Swimming and Track. We excel at both of those sports as well.

i want sepak takraw in the olympics (kinda of a kick volley ball game) as i'm in the england team (that is the only team in england) scotlands has a league though and apparently its big in germany . and of course thailand where it originates from.
i don't think football(soccer), baseball/softball,cricket,basketball should be in olmypics

The Olympic Drunken Soccer Riot
The Olympic Midget Toss Decathlon
...Gallon of Milk chugging contest
...and other events that aren't quite sports

And then, just then, I might actually watch them.

i hava a few things to say.

1. why do so many of you hate teamsports? did you just not make the team because you suck?
2. Baseball is a sport. a popular sport. it should be in the olympics.
3. I have another sugesstion for a london sport: The taunting of the palace guards! whoever gets them to move the most wins!
4. wer'e very off- topic.

To be honest i don't care that they are out, I've never seen the real diffrence between them (ball size, right) and there are far bigger sports that don't take place on one content, (North America and Latin America) that could be included.

I know what you say about there being baseball leagues in Japan and the Far east, and in europe, but come on, in europe certainly they arn't big and can't say about Asia but they arn't much played in Africa eather.

other sports such as rugby 7's, (Okay I'm baised pn this one) could be included, that'd be great to watch as it is quick, and free flowing. Unlike 15's. It would also be very competive, Samoa, Fiji, New Zealand, Argentina, USA, GB, Oz, france, Italy, South Africa, Tonga, Canda ect all having a chance of winning. Much more so than baseball and Softball.

As a Cricket fan i think twenty20 could be included, again a large selection of nations play it majorly and the game is fast and has lots of excitement.

Golf I don't think deserves to be in there.

but oh wait! only ignorant tourists taunt the guards. so if britan can"t do it it should be banned forever!!!!!!!




idiots.......

Any other police officer would have that tourist's head split open with the butt of their rifle.

Olympic Baby Punting
Olympic Garden Tilling (would go great with curling)
Olympic Shuffleboard
Olympic Grass cutting

Olympic Cat Skeet Shooting.
Olympic Mud Dobbin'

Lets get back on topic please.

Lets get back on topic please.

What a way to kill a thread!

This thread is retarded.

Well, I was having fun talking about oil-covered men wrestling with each other... thread be damned!

I know of professional baseball players from the following countries:
The USA
Mexico
Colombia
The Dominican Republic
South Korea
Japan
Canada
Panama
Nicaragua
Honduras
Australia
China
Cuba
Puerto Rico
Argentina

Most of these countries are in the Americas, but that's no reason to exclude them from competition when sports like archery and target shooting are allowed. Equestrian? that's a friggin' category of events! This is a disgrace.

I know of professional baseball players from the following countries:
The USA
Mexico
Colombia
The Dominican Republic
South Korea
Japan
Canada
Panama
Nicaragua
Honduras
Australia
China
Cuba
Puerto Rico
Argentina

Most of these countries are in the Americas, but that's no reason to exclude them from competition when sports like archery and target shooting are allowed. Equestrian? that's a friggin' category of events! This is a disgrace.
There are many poor sports in the olympics, inded they should not be there, and baseball is just one of them.

There are many poor sports in the olympics, inded they should not be there, and baseball is just one of them.

Even some of the non-sucky sports shouldn't be in the Olympics. Football for example, as the World Cup is by far the biggest prize in the sport. I think that for a sport to be in the Olympics the gold medal should be the highest honour possible.

Even some of the non-sucky sports shouldn't be in the Olympics. Football for example, as the World Cup is by far the biggest prize in the sport. I think that for a sport to be in the Olympics the gold medal should be the highest honour possible.
Your right, but it has world wide appeal dosn't it, it's the biggest sport in the world.

Even some of the non-sucky sports shouldn't be in the Olympics. Football for example, as the World Cup is by far the biggest prize in the sport. I think that for a sport to be in the Olympics the gold medal should be the highest honour possible.

Excellent answer. This is why I don't care if baseball is in the Olympics or not. Baseball doesn't NEED the Olympics, Soccer/Football doesn't NEED the Olympics. Track and field, gymnastics, swimming, etc. need the Olympics. So who really cares if Cricket or Baseball or Soccer/Football or Basketball are in the Olympics anyway. There is a bigger prize elsewhere.

Your right, but it has world wide appeal dosn't it, it's the biggest sport in the world.
And thats exactly it, is it played all over the world, the league does not just play in a single coutnry like lal other sports, teh league is world wide and countries play each other, not teams. If any game doesn't need the olympics its soccer/football

--snip--
And anyway it's not as if the Olympic Baseball competition was a contest, especially with the US fielding a dream team.
--snip--


You're confusing baseball with basketball. US baseball teams have always been college or maybe minor league players (I dislike baseball, so I don't follow who does go to the Olympics that closely). No "dream team" has ever been fielded in baseball -- largely because the Olympics happen smack in the middle of baseball's penant races (drive to the playoffs). Also because not many team owners would allow their stars to participate in an international contest in the OFF season, let alone stop their money-raking teams during the ON season.

Basketball COULD field a dream team of pros because basketball happens in the late fall, winter and spring around here.

I applaud the IOC's decision. Given the ratio of the size and cost of the venue required to the number of nations who can field an Olympic team, it's a good call. FOr those of you being generalists about how many nations play -- I keep reading "far east, central America" and so on -- how's about doing some research and telling us how many countries fileded Olympic baseball teams in Athens? I didn't do it 'cause I don't care. I still bet more countries sent people to the air-rifle event than teams to baseball. Hell, I bet team handball (which is infinitely more entertaining to watch) draws more teams.

In regards to basketball, they only been allowing the pros to play the past few olympics. All of our teams up to the time they allowed the pros to play were college kids and they still dominated the sport.

You're confusing baseball with basketball. US baseball teams have always been college or maybe minor league players (I dislike baseball, so I don't follow who does go to the Olympics that closely). No "dream team" has ever been fielded in baseball -- largely because the Olympics happen smack in the middle of baseball's penant races (drive to the playoffs). Also because not many team owners would allow their stars to participate in an international contest in the OFF season, let alone stop their money-raking teams during the ON season.

Basketball COULD field a dream team of pros because basketball happens in the late fall, winter and spring around here.

I applaud the IOC's decision. Given the ratio of the size and cost of the venue required to the number of nations who can field an Olympic team, it's a good call. FOr those of you being generalists about how many nations play -- I keep reading "far east, central America" and so on -- how's about doing some research and telling us how many countries fileded Olympic baseball teams in Athens? I didn't do it 'cause I don't care. I still bet more countries sent people to the air-rifle event than teams to baseball. Hell, I bet team handball (which is infinitely more entertaining to watch) draws more teams.

The Olympic baseball field is comprised of only eight teams, chosen from qualifying tournaments in each individual baseball confederation. The eight teams at Athens were Greece, Italy, Netherlands, Cuba, Canada, Taiwan, Japan and Australia. Cuba won gold, Australia silver and Japan bronze.

But speed walking, archery, and rowing require super-athletes?

Speed walking is quite a strain on your heels. I should know, as I've done it. It's more of a strain than Baseball.

Archery takes lots of practice and muscle strength.

Rowing takes a high level of endurance and arm strength.

All of these are more difficult than Baseball.

--snip--
Several years ago, I'd heard the IOC had seriously considered doing away with the decathlon, as ticket sales were dwindling for that event, even as they were considering giving approval to Olympic beach volleyball. Luckily, someone pointed out that decathlon is the actual heart and soul of the Games, and shelved the idea.
--snip--


Oh, holy crap, did beach volleyball get ENTIRELY too much coverage on the US TV Athens Olympics telecast. For the love of all that's holy, I couldn't swing a dead cat without hitting some speedo-clad tandem of oiled beach bums smackin' the ball around. Good grief, that game is boring! I mean, I suppose enough countries play it that it was competetive, but did we have to see EVERY match?

I know why -- it's nearly naked hardbodies and beer sponsorships -- but it had no right to the sycophantic coverage it got here in the US. Keep that sport, but just show us our country's teams and the quarter- and semifinals and medal games! That was really irritating.

I watch the Olympics precisely to SEE sports I don't get the chance to see all the time. I WANT to see a few Equestrian events. I WANT to see archery, team handball, kayaking, rowing, wrestling, judo, gymnastics, shooting, weightlifting, boxing, track events, field events and yes, even some coverage of the 50km WALK! Not only are these events rare, they often showcase athletes from small countries with compelling stories about how they get to the highest level of their sport.

Hell, I get to see some sports I didn't even know existed! Flat-boat canoeing -- that shit looks incredibly hard! These guys are on one knee and just LUNGING at the water with their paddle.

When else can you see a world unknown from a tiny country win their nation's first ever medal of ANY color, let alone gold? That's drama, and I love to root for the underdog.

Lost in all this baseball/softball fiasco is that they also ADDED some sports. I'm looking forward to seeing karate and rugby! I am an Olympics FAN!

I've noticed there's people in this thread who want to get rid of 'team sports' from the Olympics. Ok. We'll take teams out. Out goes the American team. And the British team. And the German team. And the Australian. Say goodbye to the Dutch, and the Portuguese, and the Brazilian...Japanese...Indian...Israeli...
You know, the whole point of the Olympics isn't what sports are part of it, it's celebrating sport in general, both the individual and team aspects of it. If you just want to get rid of team events, let's get rid of the sprint relays shall we? Can't you see how absurd your arguments are?
Whether or not baseball and softball are team sports probably had very little to do with the IOC's decision to remove them from the Games. And also - does it matter? It's not as if there's going to be no other sports on during the Games, is it? Watch something else, or don't watch at all.

i want sepak takraw in the olympics (kinda of a kick volley ball game) as i'm in the england team (that is the only team in england) scotlands has a league though and apparently its big in germany . and of course thailand where it originates from.
i don't think football(soccer), baseball/softball,cricket,basketball should be in olmypics

Ive played it. Its a brilliant game, really popular throughout SE Asia, therefore its part of the Asian Games.

Oh, holy crap, did beach volleyball get ENTIRELY too much coverage on the US TV Athens Olympics telecast. For the love of all that's holy, I couldn't swing a dead cat without hitting some speedo-clad tandem of oiled beach bums smackin' the ball around. Good grief, that game is boring! I mean, I suppose enough countries play it that it was competetive, but did we have to see EVERY match?

I know why -- it's nearly naked hardbodies and beer sponsorships -- but it had no right to the sycophantic coverage it got here in the US. Keep that sport, but just show us our country's teams and the quarter- and semifinals and medal games! That was really irritating.


Are you serious? The hot women playing volleyball in bikinis irritated you? I got irritated when they showed anything else. I ONLY watched the Olympics because a friend told me about the hot girls in bikinis jumping around, getting sweaty,etc.

I know of professional baseball players from the following countries:
The USA
Mexico
Colombia
The Dominican Republic
South Korea
Japan
Canada
Panama
Nicaragua
Honduras
Australia
China
Cuba
Puerto Rico
Argentina

Most of these countries are in the Americas, but that's no reason to exclude them from competition when sports like archery and target shooting are allowed. Equestrian? that's a friggin' category of events! This is a disgrace.

Okay, you "know" some players from those countries -- does that make their teams competetive?

I'm sick to the teeth of this whole "they're not moving around so it isn't a sport" horseshit. Tell you what. If think you can hold your own at 30m with an air rifle against the guy from the UAE who won the gold, you're outta your mind. Ask any horseman here how much concetration, training and dedication it takes to compete internationally in the Equestrian events. And I will bet you anything you want that you couldn't touch the Olympic standard in archery. Just because they're not getting tackled or running really fast or jumping or getting dirty in some way DOES NOT DISQUALIFY IT AS A SPORT.

Okay, you "know" some players from those countries -- does that make their teams competetive?

I'm sick to the teeth of this whole "they're not moving around so it isn't a sport" horseshit. Tell you what. If think you can hold your own at 30m with an air rifle against the guy from the UAE who won the gold, you're outta your mind. Ask any horseman here how much concetration, training and dedication it takes to compete internationally in the Equestrian events. And I will bet you anything you want that you couldn't touch the Olympic standard in archery. Just because they're not getting tackled or running really fast or jumping or getting dirty in some way DOES NOT DISQUALIFY IT AS A SPORT.

Well get equally angry at Potaria and the rest of them saying that swinging a bat in baseball isn't athletic. Go on. It's only fair.

Well get equally angry at Potaria and the rest of them saying that swinging a bat in baseball isn't athletic. Go on. It's only fair.
Quote some one saying it isn't athletic

You don't even have to be physically fit to play the two sports. Any fat bastard can get off his recliner, pick up a bat, and be the next Babe Ruth. Seriously.

It never should've been an Olympic sport. Good riddance.

.

I know of professional baseball players from the following countries:
The USA
Mexico
Colombia
The Dominican Republic
South Korea
Japan
Canada
Panama
Nicaragua
Honduras
Australia
China
Cuba
Puerto Rico
Argentina

Most of these countries are in the Americas, but that's no reason to exclude them from competition when sports like archery and target shooting are allowed. Equestrian? that's a friggin' category of events! This is a disgrace.

Well lets look at Rugby 7's (All on the professional 7's Circuit).:

# Arabian Gulf
# Argentina
# Australia
# Canada
# England
# Fiji
# France
# Ireland
# Kenya
# New Zealand
# Portugal
# Samoa
# Scotland
# South Africa
# Tunisia
# Uganda

Which is still missing these countries who play 15's:

USA (Recently played Canada, England and Wales)
Tonga
Uraguay
Georgia
Romania
Japan
Italy (Play in the Premeir North Hempshere Championship, the 6 Nations).
Wales (6 Nations Champions)
Namibia

.

Such blatant agreement is always a nice thing to see.

Well lets look at Rugby 7's (All on the professional 7's Circuit).:

# Arabian Gulf
snip
# Uganda

Which is still missing these countries who play 15's:

USA (Recently played Canada, England and Wales)
Tonga
Uraguay
Georgia
Romania
Japan
Italy (Play in the Premeir North Hempshere Championship, the 6 Nations).
Wales (6 Nations Champions)
Namibia

You left us out. We have a national team too. Go Brazil Rugby. (Seriously we do, we do not have a national baseball team though, despite being the largest chunk of Latin America.)

You left us out. We have a national team too. Go Brazil Rugby. (Seriously we do, we do not have a national baseball team though, despite being the largest chunk of Latin America.)

I only put up teams who were either proffesional or had been involved recently in a major tournament like the WC. I know for a fact that most of Europe, Africa and South America have nation teams, and that rugby is on the increse.

But speed walking, archery, and rowing require super-athletes?
Yes they do.

Are you serious? The hot women playing volleyball in bikinis irritated you? I got irritated when they showed anything else. I ONLY watched the Olympics because a friend told me about the hot girls in bikinis jumping around, getting sweaty,etc.

True, but "hot women" are available on TV 24/7/365 (even playing volleyball if you get ESPN2 or NBC). The Summer Games are once every FOUR YEARS. I'm not saying don't cover it, I'm saying let's have some moderation and parity in coverage.

I'd rather watch real volleyball anyway, it's far more interesting.

I only put up teams who were either proffesional or had been involved recently in a major tournament like the WC. I know for a fact that most of Europe, Africa and South America have nation teams, and that rugby is on the increse.

We are, I believe involved in the qualifying competition for the next RWC. (We probably won't qualify as we would hve to eliminate Uruguay, but we can dream)

They've been on life support for years as per the Olympics--I can't say I'm surprised it happened, and honestly, if it keeps the US from attempting to field another "Dream Team" like they did in basketball for so long, then so much the better.

It hasnt been on life support at all. 69 years and they havent cut a sport. The latter part of your comment is what its all about. Anti-Americanism disgused. Both N and S America play this sport as well as Australia and alot of East Asia. This is a global sport to say the least.

Well get equally angry at Potaria and the rest of them saying that swinging a bat in baseball isn't athletic. Go on. It's only fair.

Put words in your OWN mouth, please. I never said -- or was ever going to say -- that baseball/softball aren't athletic.

In fact, I'll even offer up the fact that many athletes agree that hitting a 100mph fastball in exactly the right spot to get it fly over the fair section of the outfield wall is one of the most difficult individual acts in all of sport.

What I AM saying is that this fact does NOT somehow invalidate archery, race-walking or rowing as intensely athletic as well.

It hasnt been on life support at all. 69 years and they havent cut a sport. The latter part of your comment is what its all about. Anti-Americanism disgused. Both N and S America play this sport as well as Australia and alot of East Asia. This is a global sport to say the least.

"A lot" of east Asia?

FOR SURE:
Australia
Japan
Taiwan
S. Korea

I'D WAGER:
China
Philippines
New Zealand

WHICH LEAVES AS MAYBEs OR NOs:
All of the rest of Oceana (Fiji, Tuvalu, Palau, etc.)
Southeast Asia (Laos, Vietnam, Cambodia, Thailand, etc.)
I'm pretty sure Indonesia goes for cricket.
New Guinea?
Brunei?
Myanmar/Burma?
Malaysia?
N. Korea?
Mongolia?
Russia?
Hong Kong?
Singapore?

...those are just my guesses -- can anyone out there with a faster connection look up the rest of east asia that could or have fielded an Olympic-calibre baseball team?

Hardly global. Hemispherical, certainly (though where's Brazil, Chile, Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia, Uraguay, Paraguay, etc.?).

http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,161893,00.html

This really pisses me off! Damn the IOC for cutting these two sports! Why don't they cut archery or something else.

I am deeply disappointed in the IOC!

Bring them back for 2016!
Baseball sucks. Let's keep it here in America. We can only appreciate here anyways.

It hasnt been on life support at all. 69 years and they havent cut a sport. The latter part of your comment is what its all about. Anti-Americanism disgused. Both N and S America play this sport as well as Australia and alot of East Asia. This is a global sport to say the least.

All I can comment is that in South America, the countries that play ar Venezuela (America's great ally) and there is some played in Colombia. Otherwise it is restricted to North and Central America.

Which means that you have USA, Cuba, Japan, Mexico, Venezuela as major centres with players coming from surrounding countries. Not even Canada could maintain sufficient interest for two MLB teams.

Cut it whatever way you will it is not a global sport in the way that nearly all olympic sports are. It was introduced recently as an olympic sport (as a demonstration sport in Atlanta I believe) and it just has not caught on. You tried and failed, now be big about it.

Yes there are many members if the IBF. But I for one was a little suspicious of the numbers given here (http://www.baseball.ch/2003/f/mc/mc.html) .

Try Brazil: It says there are 100 clubs, and, surprise surprise, exactly 5,000 players.I have lived in Brazil for seven years, I have only ever heard of two teams that play in São Paulo. One of Japanese immigrants, the other the university team.

Also the Brazilian national championship has been won by toronto apparently from 1999 to 2003.

So then I clicked on the next link down. British Virgin isles. They are members but have no clubs, no players, just a chairman, nothing else.

You know what would be a good sport? Paintball. i mean, every country in the world has armys, police, swat teams, etc. no one is better than anybody else because of country, everyone could participate. have a huge area and just play survival for days on end. just have maybe a 5-10 man squad and varous types of different paintball guns.

Ok, I'll grant you this. Thank you for being honest :)

I hope the nationals make the playoffs. That'll be cool :)

Of course they will. If the Nordique Theory holds water they'll win the World Series.

If you're gonna mention sports that all countries play, how about Olympic Sport-fucking? Failing that, masturbation! They could have giant circle jerks in the shape of the Olympic rings.

DASH: first one to blow his wad wins.
MARATHON: last one to blow his wad wins, continual erection must be maintained. Talk about stamina!
VOLUME: first one to fill the 8-ounce specimen cup wins.

I realize this leaves the event open only to men, unless you count women who squirt...and really, who wouldn't wanna see that?

The above post brought to you by the makers of K-Y Jelly, Hustler Magazine, Champion brand cotton tube socks and the Bad Taste Coalition.


PS for the hypersensitive types: it was also a joke.

If you're gonna mention sports that all countries play, how about Olympic Sport-fucking? Failing that, masturbation! They could have giant circle jerks in the shape of the Olympic rings.

DASH: first one to blow his wad wins.
MARATHON: last one to blow his wad wins, continual erection must be maintained. Talk about stamina!
VOLUME: first one to fill the 8-ounce specimen cup wins.

I realize this leaves the event open only to men, unless you count women who squirt...and really, who wouldn't wanna see that?

lol...that's been a recurring joke of mine! to make masturbation an olympic sport. I guess I'm not the only one afterall! I only considered the speed concept, not longevity and volume...thanks for bringing that to light!

lol...that's been a recurring joke of mine! to make masturbation an olympic sport. I guess I'm not the only one afterall! I only considered the speed concept, not longevity and volume...thanks for bringing that to light!

Hey, thanks -- that's my job! Thinkin' up goofy shit and showing up here every now and again to tell you all about it. It helps that I'm just putting the lid on a bout of insomnia after finishing a week of a new job that starts a half a day earlier than my old job did. In short, I'm bleary and bleary = loopy for me.

Yes, it's thoughts like that last post that kept me out of the good schools.

Its called Rugby and like the Terminator....
I'll Be Back!

New Zealand are the current Mens Softball Champions last 3 Tourneys but when its weighed up against Rugby id rather see that after all America won the last Gold so who knows.

Add most of south America, middle Africa, (Sengal, Nigeria, Camaroon have good sides), South-East Asia, Mongolia and sweden/Norway to that list. They all have sides that could take part (In the rugby 7's)

It hasnt been on life support at all. 69 years and they havent cut a sport. The latter part of your comment is what its all about. Anti-Americanism disgused. Both N and S America play this sport as well as Australia and alot of East Asia. This is a global sport to say the least.
A little primer for you. Baseball only became a medal sport in 1992, and never had a lot of support among the IOC because the big stars in the US--the big television draw--couldn't play in the Olympics. This was such a concern that during the last labor negotiations, MLB was actually considering--only briefly--a way to stop the season for a couple of weeks in the summer so the US and other countries, mostly in Latin America--could field Dream Teams. In short, this was not the first time that baseball and softball faced the Olympic axe--it just happened to fall this time.

And your statement that I'm anti-American is both stupid and personally offensive. You, sir, can lick my sweaty nutsack.

But speed walking, archery, and rowing require super-athletes?
Have you ever tried archery? It doesn't take great atheletic prowess, but it takes a hell of a lot of training.

I skimmed this thrad, so sorry in advance if this is borught up.

Baseballe/Softball require their own stadium that has to be built specifically for this event. There has been a lot of coverage on the news leading up to the bid for 2012. On what to do with the venues after the olympics. Many countires pour millions of dollars a year into them to keep them maintained and have trouble generating a profit out of them. Not having to build a stadium for this event is one less expense while creating the olympic park and the years after.

To bad :(

But I've the World Championship Baseball to look forward to!

ps. here is Holland, where Base- and Softball are growing sports and pretty popular.

Speed walking is quite a strain on your heels. I should know, as I've done it. It's more of a strain than Baseball.

I keep seeing you dismiss baseball, and it's making me believe that you think there's nothing to it. Let me ask you something...have you ever even played baseball? Have you ever heard of Tommy John Surgery? Have you ever tried to throw a curveball in a miniature, invisible box while managing to keep a hitter from pounding it into the outfield? I think you need to shut your mouth, because you're coming off as excruciatingly ignorant.

I skimmed this thrad, so sorry in advance if this is borught up.

Baseballe/Softball require their own stadium that has to be built specifically for this event. There has been a lot of coverage on the news leading up to the bid for 2012. On what to do with the venues after the olympics. Many countires pour millions of dollars a year into them to keep them maintained and have trouble generating a profit out of them. Not having to build a stadium for this event is one less expense while creating the olympic park and the years after.

First, if the country can't afford the cost of the Olympics, don't bid. Second, it's unfortunate that the commercialization of the Olympics requires a country to "make a profit".

I'm not disagreeing, but the cost of the venue should not be the overriding factor in deciding if an event is held.

I keep seeing you dismiss baseball, and it's making me believe that you think there's nothing to it. Let me ask you something...have you ever even played baseball? Have you ever heard of Tommy John Surgery? Have you ever tried to throw a curveball in a miniature, invisible box while managing to keep a hitter from pounding it into the outfield? I think you need to shut your mouth, because you're coming off as excruciatingly ignorant.
I've heard of them, i've tried it, (We have to at school, wastes precious athletics, cross countrey and rugby time.) And I tell you what-it's boring, you get what, 3 home runs in a innings, great fun...

Why don't they cut archery or something else.

archery has a longer history of being a sport than either of those two new-fangled ---ball sports.

of course that doesn't make it any better necessarily...

I've heard of them, i've tried it, (We have to at school, wastes precious athletics, cross countrey and rugby time.) And I tell you what-it's boring, you get what, 3 home runs in a innings, great fun...

What are you on about? Three home runs in a innings? What the fuck? Make some sense.

What are you on about? Three home runs in a innings? What the fuck? Make some sense.
In the games that we play at school that all we get, i don't know about professinal games is the US but all we get are really really boared.

ok, just because you happen to suck nuts at baseball doesnt mean you have to hate it.

get over it and let people with some athletic talent play, ya wuss.

and you are obviouslyu playing on far too small a field if you get 3 home runs an inning. where are you,in the gym? :confused:

ok, just because you happen to suck nuts at baseball doesnt mean you have to hate it.

get over it and let people with some athletic talent play, ya wuss.
Not just me, all of us, and we find it boring. That why it isn't big I don't see whats so good about it. Of course no doubt you'd say that about Cricket.

oh, youre in england! that explains it.

and you are obviouslyu playing on far too small a field if you get 3 home runs an inning. where are you,in the gym? :confused:
Well seeing as where in the middle of the Yorkshire Dales and we don't have a Sports Hall, no it's not in a gym, it's in the middle of a god damm feild, (we ahve a lot of them.) It's more the fact that we probably have too many players, most people hit it up/nowhere/towards a feilder due to lack of practace and we have a hell of a lot of good feilders/catchers.

Oh, and on the wuss comment, I play rugby with guys who are several inches taller than me and a lot stronger. I'm only 5"10 and i'm playing against guys 6"8 and i win. I've dislocated my hsoulder, sezed up my tendons in my back so i couldn't move my arms fokor days, broken my arm, my leg, my nose and several fingers. See we don't wear pads in Rugby.

I still want to see bowling :D

They had bowling! They eliminated it because Ned Day (my bowling idol) was 1,000 miles ahead of the competition!

Oh, and on the wuss comment, I play rugby with guys who are several inches taller than me and a lot stronger. I'm only 5"10 and i'm playing against guys 6"8 and i win. I've dislocated my hsoulder, sezed up my tendons in my back so i couldn't move my arms fokor days, broken my arm, my leg, my nose and several fingers. See we don't wear pads in Rugby.

That's not unusual. I don't play Rugby, but I play US-Football without padding.. I'm 6'4, and it's always the small guys you have to watch out for.. low center of gravity is a killer if the guy's heavy enough.

This is an obvious jab at the US. Gross :rolleyes:.

And those games were always so much fun to watch!

Well seeing as where in the middle of the Yorkshire Dales and we don't have a Sports Hall, no it's not in a gym, it's in the middle of a god damm feild, (we ahve a lot of them.) It's more the fact that we probably have too many players, most people hit it up/nowhere/towards a feilder due to lack of practace and we have a hell of a lot of good feilders/catchers.

That's laughable. You think because you've played baseball in a field with a bunch of your teenage pals, tried baseball out, and found it to be easy that there's nothing to it? I can tee off my friends too. Know why? Because they throw maybe 30 to 45 miles per hour tops. They can't throw nasty curves, splitters, two-seamers, sliders, screwballs, knuckleballs, or more commonly even a 90 mph 4-seam fastball. And neither can your friends. Professional baseball is about as difficult as sports come. Just because you've got no playing ability hardly makes baseball "boring" or "easy" to play. The only reason you'd find them as such is because you're playing with little leaguers.

That's laughable. You think because you've played baseball in a field with a bunch of your teenage pals, tried baseball out, and found it to be easy that there's nothing to it? I can tee off my friends too. Know why? Because they throw maybe 30 to 45 miles per hour tops. They can't throw nasty curves, splitters, two-seamers, sliders, screwballs, knuckleballs, or more commonly even a 90 mph 4-seam fastball. And neither can your friends. Professional baseball is about as difficult as sports come. Just because you've got no playing ability hardly makes baseball "boring" or "easy" to play. The only reason you'd find them as such is because you're playing with little leaguers.
As amusing as all this baseball whinery is, it doesn't justify allowing it in the olympics. It has its own leagues and crap, you wanna make it worldwide, hold an offseason worldwide tournament for baseball. Though I will give you softball barely gets recognized in countries where baseball and softball are popular

Ihatevacations']As amusing as all this baseball whinery is, it doesn't justify allowing it in the olympics.

DER. I never said it did.

It has its own leagues and crap, you wanna make it worldwide, hold an offseason worldwide tournament for baseball. Though I will give you softball barely gets recognized in countries where baseball and softball are popular

Why did you even quote me? I'm not arguing it should be in the Olympics, I'm arguing with the pansies that claim baseball's an easy sport. You know, the guys who have never picked up a bat and actually played it.

DER. I never said it did.



Why did you even quote me? I'm not arguing it should be in the Olympics, I'm arguing with the pansies that claim baseball's an easy sport. You know, the guys who have never picked up a bat and actually played it.
because it was tehre and involved "baseball whinery"

Baseball and Softball are becoming more and more accepted as a mainstream sport by the rest of the world and has been an established sport for central america for some time. It is insanne to remove a traditional sport that is gaining momentum across the world

Baseball and Softball are becoming more and more accepted as a mainstream sport by the rest of the world and has been an established sport for central america for some time. It is insanne to remove a traditional sport that is gaining momentum across the world

Acid comment time...

Look at it this way: Baseball's getting the axe at a high-point, it doesn't need the IOC to keep it on life-support, the way so many of the Olympic events do, its popularity is growing, while almost nobody knows or cares enough to watch most Olympic events outside of...the Olympics.

Baseball and Softball don't need the baggage that is the IOC to prosper.

Acid comment time...

Look at it this way: Baseball's getting the axe at a high-point, it doesn't need the IOC to keep it on life-support, the way so many of the Olympic events do, its popularity is growing, while almost nobody knows or cares enough to watch most Olympic events outside of...the Olympics.

Baseball and Softball don't need the baggage that is the IOC to prosper.

I tend to agree with this. The Olympics are about sporting achievement, be they personal or team achievements. Some sports do not need the olympic movement as they have enough internal rewards for achievement ($12 Million a year contracts). There are obscure sports, for which the only chance of popular exposure is to be part of the olympics. These depend on the olympics to reward the tireless dedication of their practicioners, coaches etc. How many people would care or know anything about swimming as a sport if it were not for the Olympic movement for example. Baseball does not need the Olympics, and the Olympics do not need the additional cost of building basebal and softball fields (they are not even the same).

That's not unusual. I don't play Rugby, but I play US-Football without padding.. I'm 6'4, and it's always the small guys you have to watch out for.. low center of gravity is a killer if the guy's heavy enough.
Inded, just look at jason robinson and Shane Williams, however of course if I get collored I get hurt.

ok, just because you happen to suck nuts at baseball doesnt mean you have to hate it.

get over it and let people with some athletic talent play, ya wuss.

I have never hit a homerun and I nearly strike out most of the time but I still enjoy the game. Good post my friend :)

I love baseball! It was the only sport I could get tickets to in Athens. I was told all other venues were sold out months ago, but I could get baseball tickets easy. Went to see that 'Greek' team, which was 95% American college kids, play. Superiorly dull... but hey! track and field is dull too!

It's a plot to replace sports that are measured in feet and yards with metric ones. Damn metricists!

Yeah, and no-one outside the US or Japan plays those two either. Thats probably why they dropped them.

Cuba and Canada too.

I have never hit a homerun and I nearly strike out most of the time but I still enjoy the game. Good post my friend :)
A good post by claiming that someone he dosn't know has no athletic ability? Not only is he wrong but also

Cuba and Canada too.

Also, countries in South America.