Last year, I watched Mark McGwire break Roger Maris' record on that memorable August night. I was happy to see the asterisk controversy laid to rest after 37 years. Sosa broke Maris' record too, but it was McGwire who finished the season ahead of him. Apologists would say that Sammy led the Cubs into the playoffs. Major league sports have had to contend with empty stands and arenas.
Attendance is on the general decline, and so are television ratings.
Professional wrestling has cut into NFL's Monday Night Football ratings among younger viewers. Many youngsters are more excited about Monster Truck shows than going to see the New York Yankees play in town. Maybe it's cheaper tickets, or athletes willing to sign autographs. Perhaps Jeff Gordon reminds you of a guy you went to high school with.