In a desperate attempt to bridge the generational gap, Major League Baseball (MLB) has announced groundbreaking initiatives aimed at connecting with millennials. The league, often criticized for its perceived lack of modernity, has decided to throw a curveball into the mix: 7th inning TikTok challenges, featuring players and announcers incorporating the word "sus" into their routines.
MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred, sporting what can only be described as an awkward dab, announced the league's latest endeavor at a press conference that left journalists blinking in disbelief.
"Today, we're proud to unveil our strategic plan to capture the hearts and minds of the elusive millennial audience," Manfred declared, attempting to use air quotes but inadvertently mimicking a game of charades. "We're integrating the language of the youth into America's pastime with our 7th inning TikTok challenges and some 'sus'-penseful surprises."
Players, initially perplexed by the directive, have reportedly been attending "How to Be 'Sus' 101" workshops to grasp the intricacies of the term. Baseball legends, used to discussing RBIs and ERAs, now find themselves debating the proper usage of "sus" in a sentence.
The 7th inning TikTok challenges involve players and announcers seamlessly incorporating "sus" into their interactions, from subtle nods to full-on interpretive dance routines. The move is a strategic effort to make the sport more relatable to a generation that thrives on memes, trends, and communication styles that often leave older generations scratching their heads.
In an exclusive interview, star pitcher Justin Verlander confessed, "I've thrown some incredible curveballs in my career, but trying to figure out how to be 'sus' in the 7th inning is a whole new level of challenge. I just hope I don't strike out with the TikTok crowd."
Announcers, too, are getting in on the action. Play-by-play commentator Joe Buck, known for his stoic delivery, surprised fans by exclaiming, "That home run was absolutely 'sus'-picious!" during a recent broadcast, leaving viewers wondering if they had accidentally tuned into a stand-up comedy special.
Not everyone is on board with the new strategy. Traditionalists argue that the focus should be on improving the game itself rather than attempting to insert trendy phrases into the mix.
Despite the mixed reactions, the MLB is moving full steam ahead, hoping that these 7th inning TikTok challenges will be a home run in the realm of social media engagement. Whether it's a swing and a miss or a grand slam remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: baseball has officially entered the world of "sus"penseful entertainment.
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