MLB interleague play has been going on for ten seasons now.  The response of fans and baseball analysts have been mixed.  There are complaints about the match ups that don't have that "natural rivalry" going for them.  Some of the divisions are easier to play in than others and some teams have schedules that are less challenging than others--but what about looking on the bright side of things? 

After the 1994-95 strike, baseball was in trouble.  The Boys of Summer where not attracting many fans. Stadiums around the country drew menial crowds and the future of many teams was in question.   Suggestions were few and those in charge had to deal with the problem quickly.  Their solution was interleague play.  While it left many in an uproar, it got people back in the stands and watching on television.  To criticize a move that had its intended result is a bit crass.  What were the options?  Isn't it better to have baseball, in whatever form it may be, instead going without it?  Aren't the clashes between teams coming from totally different perspectives more often interesting than not?

What about the teams that are in the same state but different leagues?  Surely the intensity of those match ups outweighs the occasional slow game between two not so great teams.  No one can argue that those highly anticipated games between the Yankees and Mets do not produce wonderful turnouts and mounds of money.

Interleague play also makes it possible for fans in smaller markets to see a bigger variety of teams.  No matter how much people say they hate them, everyone wants to see the Yankees walk into their building, at least once a year.  And over time, those teams that meet on a sporadic basis might develop a bad taste for one another.  Players and fans have long memories.

It is getting better with time.  Initially interleague play consisted of the pairs of East, Central and West division playing one another.  That meant that the same teams played one another over and over again.  The dominance of the team with the hot hand, and the inferiority of a team in the building stages, can occasionally cause the underdog to flare of and give a good show of it.    But over the last few years the MLB switched to a system that allowed the divisions to mingle.  So while your favorite team may play a few duds fans will be treated to exciting match ups on a regular basis.

Schedule writing is difficult.  With different time zones, teams on opposite coasts and taking into account what fans want, the guys that set the MLB have a tough assignment before them.  The complaints about unfair scheduling are unwarranted.  Let's face it; things will always be unfair from someone’s point of view.  If you are a baseball fan, appreciate the MLB flaws and all.  You still get to see a season chalked full of excitement.  Be thankful for that.

Are there glitches or possible ways to improve interleague play?  Sure.  Interleague play may be improved by eliminating some teams.  There is a habit in professional sports to over expand leagues.  When times get lean, those expansion teams that don't have the loyal fan base often fall on very hard times.  Maybe it would be best to do away with those clubs and stick to the ones that are turning a nice profit. 

Then again, it might be nice to have those unnatural rivalries going on.  Perhaps, over time something could come of San Francisco playing Detroit.  Maybe over time, those teams that don't have natural rivalry can build up some tension.  If the National League teams play American League teams enough times there is bound to be some type of friction.     

Interleague play does not take away from the competition in Major League Baseball.  The initiation of interleague play has brought the fans back to the game.  Instead of criticizing the Commissioner, congratulations may be in order.  No matter what stance is taken, it is better to have baseball than to not.  Without interleague play, the future of Major League Baseball might be in question.  So let's enjoy the spectacle the Major League Baseball Association has created.