"Stay in your lane": Justin Verlander's brother rips Cam Newton for labeling baseball 'a dying sport'

Ben Verlander, brother of MLB pitcher Justin Verlander, fired back at former NFL quarterback Cam Newton's claim that baseball is fading into obscurity. He defended America's pastime after Newton predicted the WNBA would surpass baseball's popularity within two decades.

Verlander, a baseball analyst for Fox Sports, has established himself as a vocal advocate for MLB. Newton, the 2015 NFL MVP, hosts the "4th & 1" podcast where he frequently shares his perspective on various sports.

During a December 19 episode of his podcast, Newton sparked controversy by declaring baseball a "dying sport" and suggesting the WNBA would overtake its popularity. His comments quickly spread across social media platforms, prompting Verlander's response on Thursday.

"Respectfully. You have no clue what you're talking about with this sport you never watch. Baseball has been booming. Stay in your lane," Verlander posted on X

MLB enjoyed a stellar 2024 season, drawing 71.3 million fans - an average of 29,300 per game. The World Series between the Dodgers and Yankees recorded its highest viewership in seven years.

Cam Newton's bold WNBA prediction faces statistical reality

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Cam Newton's criticism extended beyond just popularity metrics.

"Baseball isn't even being played by Americans anymore ... For those who take offense to it, it's just the truth," he said during the podcast.

The former NFL star focused on the WNBA's potential growth.

"The issue with the WNBA is not exposure, but it is the number one issue ... They play basketball globally, too. If they gave the same amount of exposure ... they're in dire need of superstars. That's what makes Angel Reese so important," Newton added.

However, the numbers paint a different picture.

While the WNBA celebrated growth in 2024, its total attendance reached 2.3 million across a 40-game season, averaging 9,800 fans per game. This stark contrast with MLB's attendance figures highlights the considerable gap Newton's prediction would need to bridge.

MLB's international appeal and established fanbase demonstrate its enduring strength. Newton's assessment overlooks these factors, along with baseball's deep-rooted connection to American culture and its continued ability to attract global talent.