(Inter)National Pastime: Depicting Nationality in Local and National Major League Baseball Broadcasts

in International Journal of Sport Communication

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Zachary W. Arth University of Alabama, USA

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Darrin J. Griffin University of Alabama, USA

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Andrew C. Billings University of Alabama, USA

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DOI:
https://doi.org/10.1123/ijsc.2018-0131
Keywords:
commentary; content analysis; LIWC; self-categorization theory
In Print:
Volume 12: Issue 3
Page Range:
354–370
Restricted access

This study examined Major League Baseball (MLB) broadcasters’ descriptions of players through the lens of self-categorization theory. Two core variables were assessed: nationality (American or non-American) and broadcast type (local or national). Broadcaster language in 30 games from the 2016 MLB season was analyzed. Two forms of examination revealed that American players were more frequently described as successful due to their intelligence, whereas non-American players were more likely to be depicted as failing due to an ascribed lack of strength and were discussed more in terms of emotionality. Local broadcasters were more likely to highlight differences between American and non-American players.

The authors are with the College of Communication & Information Sciences, University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, AL.

Arth (zwarth@crimson.ua.edu) is corresponding author.
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