A recent letter from James Kossett of Los Angeles argues that professional baseball games and national parks are fundamentally incompatible. Kossett contends that the usual elements associated with baseball—large crowds, noise, commercial activities, and pollution—are at odds with the core values of national parks, which emphasize open space, tranquility, natural interactions, and minimal human disturbance.
According to Kossett, the natural beauty and pristine conditions of national parks should be maintained without disruption to ensure their preservation for both current visitors and future generations. He warns that introducing professional baseball games into these protected areas would not only degrade the environment but also show a lack of respect for the parks as treasured public lands.
The letter highlights concerns that the influx of spectators and related commercial enterprises could lead to increased litter, environmental wear, and noise pollution, undermining the experience national parks are intended to provide. Kossett’s viewpoint reflects ongoing debates about balancing public access and recreational use with conservation priorities in national park management.
