# BASEBALL AS UNIFIER - The Game's Larger Responsibility in this Horrible Century

Page: https://stenobird.com/podcast/locked-on-mlb-daily-podcast-on-major-league-baseball-644196/baseball-as-unifier-the-game-s-larger-responsibility-in-this-horrible-century
Text version: https://stenobird.com/podcast/locked-on-mlb-daily-podcast-on-major-league-baseball-644196/baseball-as-unifier-the-game-s-larger-responsibility-in-this-horrible-century.md
Podcast: [Locked On MLB - Daily Podcast On Major League Baseball](https://stenobird.com/podcast/locked-on-mlb-daily-podcast-on-major-league-baseball-644196)
Published: 2026-09-11T14:00:00+00:00
Episode link: https://lockedonpodcasts.com/podcasts/locked-on-mlb/
Audio file: https://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/pdrl.fm/e224de/lockedon.simplecastaudio.com/c3de8bfc-a26e-4b17-afca-03db4a2b0735/episodes/43c3433c-322b-448d-9d8d-b470d5f6793b/audio/128/default.mp3?aid=rss_feed&awCollectionId=c3de8bfc-a26e-4b17-afca-03db4a2b0735&awEpisodeId=43c3433c-322b-448d-9d8d-b470d5f6793b&feed=EzlTNH0T
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JSON: https://stenobird.com/v1/public/podcasts/locked-on-mlb-daily-podcast-on-major-league-baseball-644196/episodes/baseball-as-unifier-the-game-s-larger-responsibility-in-this-horrible-century
Duration seconds: 2069

## Resource

Baseball’s enduring role as America’s unifier takes center stage on the 25th anniversary of the September 11 attacks. Sully reflects on how Major League Baseball, from the iconic Mike Piazza home run to President Bush’s World Series first pitch, brought the nation together during crises. The episode considers parallels to more recent challenges—including the pandemic, the Boston Marathon bombing, and devastating natural disasters—and asks: Can baseball unite a divided United States again? Key topics include MLB’s looming labor disputes, expansion and realignment proposals, and heated debates over the universal DH and “Manfred Man” extra-innings rule. Sully breaks down ideas for new divisions featuring teams like the Atlanta Braves, Houston Astros, Vegas A’s, and potential new clubs in Nashville or Portland. With baseball at a crossroads, will the league seize its opportunity—or risk losing fans to a fractured entertainment landscape?

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## Transcript

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