It's the most exploitative, incorrigible, and demeaning TV event that's airing this summer, says Bill Plaschke at The Los Angeles Times. No, it's not Jersey Shore, or even Bachelor Pad. It's the 65th annual Little League Baseball World Series. Currently airing on ESPN and ABC, these games "are the worst sort of reality television, turning 11-to-13-year-olds into adults, turning adults into kids," and "turning my stomach." What's ostensibly innocent summer fun turns into anything but as these children — years younger than any other athlete whose skills are televised and scrutinized — emotionally crumble under the pressure of an international spotlight. "Allowing the public viewing of pubescent angst under the guise of a baseball game is opportunistic, offensive and just plain wrong," Plaschke says. Consider these scenes from a typical Little League World Series game:
There is a scrawny pitcher who begins the game with eye black dripping all over his face. Then he gives up a few hits, and suddenly the polish is mixed with tears.
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
