Welcome to detroit, national fans
Author note: Some of the companies listed below are not actually responsible for sponsoring what is listed. I exaggerate for effect.
Today is the John Hancock All-Star Game brought to you by Mastercard. The Budweiser first pitch will be thrown by Billy Bob Thornton, manager of the Bad News Bears presented by Disney. The official photograph of that pitch is brought to you by Kodak, while the official poster is presented by Fuji.
Honorary captains include Al Kaline presented by alkaline and Ernie Banks presented by MBNA. The Taco Bell seventh inning stretch will include a performance of God Bless America sung by Detroit's very own Winans brothers, presented by Sony Music.
The saturation of ads in the game, as well as the blurring of lines between sports and entertainment, is so over the top, that it is no longer news to write about it. I guess my thought today is that I've come to accept all the advertising and the fake authenticity of product placement and product endorsement. What has begun to unnerve me as a sports fan is how these cynical thoughts creep into my head where I can no longer trust the authenticity of the sport performance outcome. I'm not talking about steroids or other forms of cheating. That is a forum for another day. I speak today of the conspiracy. It used to be an NBA thing, but now seems to seep into every discussion when an event plays out in such a Hollywood-esque manner, that one is convinced that it is contrived. Back in '88, who would imagine that Gibby's HR (I still don't believe what I just saw) was staged? Today, though, there is a different vibe. Athletes with rap albums, rappers as agents, footballers wanting to play hoops. These days, it seems that nearly everything is staged. It's about buzz, controversy, getting your name/product/movie/brand identity out here in a crowded and oversaturated market. The last few days have been no different. Pudge making it to the final of the Home Run Derby? Bobby Abreau setting home run records at Comerica Park? An Oscar style red carpet show brought to you by Chevrolet? Now, I love my Chevy, especially the Vette, but when I think of red carpet, Chevrolet is not the first thing that comes to mind.
Tonight, I am going to sit back in my couch by La-Z-Boy, drink Nestea, and most importantly, eat lots of Rold Gold pretzels. Perhaps the game will remind me of my youth. Ah nostalgia (brought to you by Ballantine).
Oh, I almost forgot: My post is brought to you by the great people at Blogger, who have given a voice to the people.
posted by SportPsych Detroit @ 9:46 AM
4 Comments:
As long as you can remember that Viagra helps you hit the ball 500 feet and Levitra can help you throw a football straight through a tire swinging on a tree, you should be fine.
You forgot to mention Kenny Rogers appearance was brought to you by Ritz Camera Repair, and do you really think Bobby Abreu and Pudge were hitting juiced balls.
And if there was a conspiracy last night, don't you think Bonderman would have made the team somehow.
Sports isn't perfect, but as long as Pete Rose isn't managing, the game is pure.
Hi Air,
welcome to my blog...i can't say I completely believe in the conspiracy...only that Bud wanted Rogers to not back down so that he can nail him with a suspension by claiming he wasn't contrite...furthermore...drawing attention to Rogers as villian means people don't talk about Barry...that is definitely what Bud had in mind...thanx for the ED stuff...I almost forgot about their role in keeping borderline hall of famers on people's minds (see Rafael Palmeiro)
i still think Ripkens 2001 all-star home-run was a gift from the pitcher..purely staged.
Just Shu,
I don't mind gifts from pitchers, as long as it wasn't a mandate from either the commish's office or or from the TV network. After all,, everyone knows that DMac (the original) grooved a pitch to Mantle to get him a biggie...there is a long and celebrated history of that.
That being said, Brett Farve running around and curling into the fetal position (as if he suddenly no longer knew he could throw the ball away) so that Strahan can have a sack record, now that is bush league b/c it took a hard earned record away from another player
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