Wednesday afternoon, I received a text message stating that Major League Baseball was conducting a survey and would like my thoughts.
Since we all have opinions about the game, myself included, I decided to investigate the offer. After all, many fans these days complain that MLB doesn’t care about them. So I could not miss a golden opportunity to tell them how I feel. Still, I entered cautiously, not knowing for sure if it was legitimate. It was.
What followed was a long set of questions, most of which had selectable multiple choice answers. Most required a response, though not the concluding questions, which were very detailed demographics.
I was fascinated that MLB is conducting this research, so I decided to share the survey details with you – just their questions, not my responses! I have no idea how I was selected, other than it seemed to be tied to my use of the MLB app, which is where I was deposited at the end.
As you will see in the detail, questions include level and type of fandom as well as how, why and the frequency one consumes games. Opinions are solicited about the new playoff format, mic-ed up players, advertising, betting on baseball, COVID, interest in other sports and more.
The optional demographic questions at the end were very, very detailed and personal, likely used to determine if they want to follow up. (They probably won’t get back to me because I am not going to be in their target age demographic.)
The survey follows. Thanks for reading!
Thank you for taking time to offer your thoughts on the future of baseball. This survey should take about 9-11 minutes to complete. We value your honest and straightforward feedback: it’s your opportunity to speak directly to MLB business and product leadership.
In what year were you born?
Please tell us your current ZIP/postal code.
Are you enjoying the 2022 season more, less or the same as previous seasons?
Why (based on prior answer)?
Did your favorite team make the playoffs?
Based on previous answer, how interested are you in the playoffs currently?
- various levels
Which best describes why you are interested (or not)?
- Rooting for team
- Rooting for player
- Rooting against team
- Interested in matchups
- Follow each year no matter which teams
- Gambling on the games
- Family/friends interested
- Other
How do you feel about new “best of three” Wild Card Series” format?
- Love/like/dislike/hate/didn’t know
How many MLB games have you attended in 2022?
- 0/1/2-5/6-10/11-15/15+
As it stands today, how likely is it that you will attend a live MLB game in 2023?
- Definitely will/probably will/probably won’t/definitely won’t
How many MLB games did you attend in 2021?
- 0/1/2-5/6-10/11-15/15+
Did you attend any MLB games in 2019?
- yes/no/can’t remember
Which of the following best describes how you feel about baseball?
- Love/Like/Neutral/Dislike/Hate
How do you follow MLB? (can select multiples)
- Attend games
- Online fan communities
- Play free predictive games (like Beat the Streak)
- Talk about MLB with Family or friends
- Listen on radio or via streaming
- Watch on TV or via streaming
- Read news and analysis
- Play fantasy baseball
- Gamble on baseball games
- Check standings and stat leaders
- Play video games
- None
How often do you typically watch MLB on TV or through a streaming service?
- Almost every game my favorite team plays
- Most games
- Some regular season games and postseason
- Only the postseason
- Only highlights/game recaps
- None
Where do you typically watch broadcasts of games?
- YouTube
- Apple
- FOX/FS1
- TBS/TNT
- ESPN/ESPN2
- MLB Network
- Local RSN
- NBC/Peacock
- Other
Do you enjoy when players wear microphones during game broadcasts?
- yes/no/not sure
Would you want to see more players wearing mics and providing in-game commentary in the future?
- yes/no/not sure
Do you find sports betting advertising (on TV or in stadium) to be distracting or inappropriate?
- yes/no
What is your perception of legalized betting on baseball?
- Positive/negative/not sure
Who is the most exciting player to watch in MLB right now?
Why is this player the most exciting to watch?
Please select the MLB team(s) in which you at least have some interest.
- Any of 30 or no favorite team
If you could change one thing about the on-field game, what would it be?
- Open text reply
Next you will be asked to offer your feedback on COVID-19 and safety at sporting events. Your thoughts will help us monitor fans’ experience at MLB ballparks.
To the best of your knowledge are coronavirus (COVID-19) cases increasing in your state, decreasing, or staying at about the same level?
- Increasing/decreasing/about same
On a scale of 1-10, what is your current level of concern regarding the coronavirus pandemic?
- 0 (not concerned at all) – 10 (extremely concerned)
For each aspect of attending a live sporting event, please tell us whether you believe it carries a low, moderate or high risk of contacting the coronavirus (COVID-19)?
- Navigating to the stadium
- Entering the stadium
- Navigating through restrooms
- Engaging in non-game entertainment
- Purchasing food and beverages
- Purchasing souvenirs and merchandise
- Sitting in your assigned seat
- Exiting the stadium
Do you believe live MLB games in 2023 will be safe to attend, unsafe to attend or is it too early to know?
- Safe/unsafe/too early
Which of the following streaming media platforms have you used in the past 7 days? (can select multiples)
- NFL Sunday Ticket
- HBO/HBO Max
- YouTube TV
- Disney+
- Peacock
- SAZN
- Sling
- Hulu
- ATT Now
- Paramount+
- Apple TV+
- Twitch
- Fubo
- NBA League Pass
- TV
- ESPN+
- Netflix
- Amazon Prime Video
- NBC Sports Gold
- none
Which of the following social media platforms have you used in the past 7 days? (can select multiples)
- Discord
- Snapchat
- YouTube
- Twitch
- TikTok
- none
Which of the following methods have you used to make a purchase in the past 7 days? (can select multiples)
- PayPal
- Samsung Pay
- Cash
- Venmo
- Apple Pay
- Google Pay
- Credit Card
- Debit card
- None
Please indicate your level of interest in each of the sports listed below.
(No interest/low/moderate/high)
- MLB
- College basketball
- NHL
- International soccer
- MLS
- College football
- NFL
- Women’s soccer
- NBA
- Esports
- WNBA
Which of the following best describes your gender identity?
- Female/male/non-binary/I do not identify with any of these
With which of the following categories do you identify?
- Middle Eastern or North African
- Hispanic or Latino
- American Indian, Native American or Alaskan Native
- Black or African American
- Native Hawaiian or other Pacific Islander
- Asian or SW Asian
- White or Caucasian
- I do not identify with any of these
What is the highest degree or level of school that you have completed?
- Some High School
- HS grad or GED
- Assoc Degree
- Bachelor’s Degree
- Master’s Degree
- Doctorate
Are you a parent?
- yes/no
How many children aged 17 or younger live in your household?
What is your current yearly household income?
- Selectable $ brackets
Do you consider yourself to be a Republican, Democrat and independent or member of a third party?
MLB researchers may want to learn more about your thoughts and viewpoints on baseball. Can we contact you about future opportunities to participate in fan feedback?
(if your profile aligns with our research needs, we will contact you by email)
We thank you for your time spent taking this survey. Your response has been recorded.
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Brian Walton can be reached via email at brian@thecardinalnation.com. Follow Brian on Twitter.
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