Major League Baseball, among four major sports in the United States, decided to limit media access in fear of the coronavirus outbreak. Cincinnati Reds first baseman Joey Votto had an articulate, nuanced response to what that entails for reporters, considering a lot of stories emerge from candid conversations inside the clubhouse.
The MLB has limited clubhouse access to players and essential personnel in its latest memo, temporarily banning media and others' access to parts of the dugout and locker rooms.
Votto was asked if he'd welcome this ban permanently.
Via C. Trent Rosecrans of The Athletic:
“No, I definitely think most of — I'd say a vast majority of the stories involve nuance, emotion, personal relationships. Even if they're incorrect, a perception of how someone reacted or how a player reacted can be told through facial expressions, getting to know that person and tone,” said Votto, who is entering his 14th major league season with the Reds.
“I think that if you don't have that on a daily basis, you don't get to share those insights and frankly, most fans don't care about the balls and strikes and runs and wins — well, I guess wins — but runs, but they care about the person. They want to feel like they're close to the performer in any sport. I think everyone in the media is the bridge that connects the athlete with the public and without that close proximity, I don't personally think you get that human component.”
Several stories have come from sitting with a player right after a game or a practice, the type of intimate setting that makes for a good story.
Votto seems cognizant of that, and while he's understanding of the precautionary measures leagues like the NBA, NHL, MLS, and Major League Baseball have taken — he sees the media access as a positive and not simply a discardable part of his job.
MLB has no reason to make this move permanent, but the sport will still suffer from a lack of storytelling as long as the ban is in place.
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