Work

Under the Lights: The Legitimacy, Survival, and Institutionalization of Rural Amateur Baseball

Year: 2019

Type: article

Abstract: A unique phenomenon, known locally as “town ball,” occurs every summer in Minnesota. Most individuals who support town ball teams are from rural communities. Despite small populations, teams often receive stalwart support (e.g., decorated facilities, uniforms, lights, boisterous crowds) from their communities. In this investigation, we examined the institutional norms of the environment, the legitimacy of the teams, and the institutional work conducted by the communities and teams. With the use of observations and semi-structured interviews, it was determined that teams and communities were deemed legitimate by stakeholders and maintained the institutions of town ball with the use of deliberate mechanisms and various belief systems.

Source: Leisure Sciences

DOI: 10.1080/01490400.2019.1625294

Authors: Brent D. Oja, Peyton J. Stensland, Jordan R. Bass, Claire C. Zvosec

Institutions: University of Northern Colorado, University of Cincinnati, University of Kansas, Louisiana State University

Language: English

Topic: Physical Education and Sports Studies

Subfield: Sociology and Political Science

Field: Social Sciences

Domain: Social Sciences

SDG: Peace, justice, and strong institutions

Open Access status: green

OpenAlex ID: W2952652598

FWCI: 1.01

Cites: 45

Cited by: 5

Related to: 10