Baseball is one of the oldest and most beloved sports in America, and it is also one of the most unique. It has its own set of rules, traditions, and superstitions, and one of these is the asterisk. An asterisk, typically represented by an asterisk symbol (*), is put alongside the names of players and teams who have achieved something remarkable or controversial in the game. It is a way to recognize a player or team for their accomplishments, as well as to note any potential controversy or wrongdoing.
The asterisk has been used in baseball since the early 1900s, but it has become even more prominent in recent years. In Major League Baseball (MLB), an asterisk denotes a player or team who has broken a record or is the subject of an investigation. It can also be used to signify a game that was postponed or cancelled due to weather or other circumstances.
Notable Examples of Asterisks in Baseball
The most famous example of an asterisk in baseball is the one put next to Roger Maris’ name in the record books. In 1961, Maris broke Babe Ruth’s long-standing single-season homerun record. However, the record was only achieved because there were more games in a season than when Babe Ruth set the record. To recognize this, the MLB put an asterisk next to Maris’ name, noting that the record was achieved under different circumstances.
Another example of an asterisk in baseball is the one that was put next to Barry Bonds’ name in the record books. Bonds is widely considered to be one of the best players ever, but he was also the subject of a steroid scandal. As a result, the MLB put an asterisk next to Bond’s name in the record books, signifying that the records he achieved were done so under suspicious circumstances.
Yet another example of an asterisk in baseball is the one that was put next to the name of the Houston Astros in the 2017 World Series. The Astros were found to be cheating by using video cameras to steal signs from opposing teams. As a result, the MLB put an asterisk next to the Astros’ World Series win, denoting that it was achieved under suspicious circumstances.
The Significance of the Asterisk in Baseball
The asterisk has become an important symbol in baseball and is used to denote a player or team who has achieved something remarkable or controversial. It is a way to recognize a player or team for their accomplishments, as well as to note any potential controversy or wrongdoing. The asterisk is a way for the MLB to recognize a player or team without explicitly endorsing them, which can be especially important in cases of controversy.
The asterisk is also a way for MLB to acknowledge a player or team without adding an asterisk to their record books. For example, when Bonds broke the home run record, the MLB put an asterisk next to his name, but his record still stands. This allows the MLB to recognize Bonds’ accomplishments without officially endorsing him or his use of performance-enhancing drugs.
The Impact of the Asterisk on Baseball Players and Teams
The asterisk can have a significant impact on players and teams who are the subject of an asterisk. For example, players who have broken records under controversial circumstances may be viewed differently by fans and the media. It also can affect the way teams are viewed by the public, as teams who are the subject of an asterisk may be seen as less legitimate than teams that have won without any controversy.
The asterisk can also have an impact on the perception of the MLB. It can be seen as a sign of the league’s willingness to acknowledge controversial players or teams, but it can also be seen as an attempt by the league to avoid taking sides in controversial situations.
The asterisk is an important symbol in baseball and is typically used to denote a player or team who has achieved something remarkable or controversial. It is a way for the MLB to recognize a player or team without explicitly endorsing them, and it can have a significant impact on the perception of players, teams, and the league itself. The asterisk is a sign of the MLB’s willingness to acknowledge both greatness and controversy, but it is also a way for the league to avoid taking sides.