I wonder if the fact the the US is largely a sports-isolationist is part of the problem.<p>Growing up in Australia, the summer was defined by international cricket. Everyone grows up supporting the national team, everyone can watch the game on free TV, and an international summer comprises as little as 5 tests and 8 one-day matches, so it is tractable for kids to watch most of the games. (1990s era fixtures, things are a little different today: less one-day internationals, more 2020, and the BBL, though still on free TV). The lack of constant cricket on TV gives kids time to play it in between watching it.<p>Contrast with baseball without (1) season-defining international fixtures, (2) a clearly-defined pinnacle of the game, (3) a national team for all kids to get behind. Are those hundreds of MBL fixtures largely hidden on cable TV?