How did the Great Depression affect sports?

Answer 1

The Great Depression had a negative effect on American sports. Baseball teams were in dire financial straights. The Cincinnati Reds declared bankruptcy. Players had their pay cut by 25-percent, but that was still less than the average worker, who had their pay cut by 50-percent.

Answer 2

Baseball was the reigning king of sports in America in the 20s and 30s. But it suffered like the rest of the economy. Attendance dropped from 17 million in 1929, to 11 million in 1933. Babe Ruth negotiated a salary of $80,000 in 1930 but saw it cut in half three years later. The Cincinnati Reds declared bankruptcy. Most of the 16 teams went into receivership. Players saw their wages cut by 25 percent while a typical American worker saw his salary cut in half. During the 1930s, sports became both mass entertainment and recreation. Soccer, swimming, athletics, boating, and camping became inexpensive, popular sports. Boxing was also very popular as a spectator sport.

Answer 3

Sports made life a whole lot happier for people who had financial issues, because you could go see a game and forget about your troubles.