You, the People (Well, Kinda): How to Influence the 2023 (Yes, You Read That Right, 2023) MLB MVP Race
Let's face it, folks, by now the 2023 regular season feels like a distant fever dream. You might be neck-deep in building your fantasy baseball team for the upcoming season, or maybe you're still hungover from celebrating that epic World Series win (or drowning your sorrows from the heartbreaking loss, no judgement here). But fear not, baseball fanatics, because there's still a chance to have your voice heard... kind of.
The All-Important, Totally-Not-Rigged MVP Vote (Well, Maybe a Little)
We're talking about the prestigious Most Valuable Player Award, folks. The one that separates the men from the boys, the mashers from the meek. The award that guarantees bragging rights for years to come, and a hefty raise for the lucky winner (thanks, agents!).
Now, you might be thinking, "Hold on a sec, isn't the season over? Did I miss a time warp?" Well, buckle up, because the official MVP vote is actually cast by the esteemed Baseball Writers' Association of America (BBWAA) before the playoffs even begin. Yes, you read that right. So, while you were busy cheering on your favorite team in the postseason, these baseball scribes were cooped up, fueled by instant ramen and questionable takes, deciding the fate of the MVP trophy.
But fear not, democracy-loving baseball fan! There's a tiny, insignificant (but hey, every vote counts, right?) chance for you to have your say in a different kind of MVP race...
The Participation Trophy: The Fan Vote for World Series MVP (Because Everyone's a Winner!)
Okay, so you technically missed your chance to influence the official MVP race. But there's still a consolation prize, folks: the fan vote for World Series MVP. That's right, you, the peanut gallery, get to chime in on who deserves the coveted title of "Fall Classic Hero." This vote takes place during the sixth inning of the World Series clinching game. So, while you're glued to your TV screen, frantically refreshing Twitter, and arguing with your uncle about called strikes, you can also cast your vote for your favorite postseason stud.
Here's the catch (there's always a catch, isn't there?): Your vote only counts for a measly 20% of the overall tally. The other 80% is decided by a combination of fancy media folk and those same BBWAA writers who might still be hungover from their pre-season predictions being spectacularly wrong.
But hey, even a 20% chance is better than no chance, right? So, dust off your jersey, grab some snacks, and get ready to vote for your World Series MVP. Just remember, choose wisely, because your vote could be the difference between baseball glory and... well, another year of waiting for next season.
P.S. If you're still bitter about missing the official MVP vote, don't worry. There's always next year! Just remember to stock up on ramen for the BBWAA writers, they might need it.
