Stadiums, Boosters, Politicians and Major League Baseball's Reluctance to Expand: An Exploration of Post-Second World War US Trends

摘要

During the post-Second World War era, a variety of factors changed the sports landscape for team owners and league officials. Civic boosters in several communities lobbied to gain major-league status. While this lobbying unfolded, changing demographics and new transportation and communication technologies both complicated and provided opportunities for sports entrepreneurs. Major League Baseball executives struggled with expansion and the threat of a new rival league. Some team owners saw the willingness of community leaders to offer incentives such as land or taxpayer-funded stadium construction as an opportunity to increase profitability, but an uncertain political landscape and pressure from fellow owners presented complications.