As a youth baseball coach, I have noticed that none of the players talk about a favorite baseball player or team. We're cord-cutters and my own kids never even mention watching a game. Not a good sign for MLB.
Great point, I have seen the same situation and we don't have cable as well. The other coach and I can tell the kids that do watch a lot of baseball. Their baseball IQ is a lot higher... but they've copied the swings and mannerisms of some pro players. Those little hitches in their swings or deliveries hurt them on the field. The kids that don't watch baseball have some pure swings... its pretty... but they are situationally clueless until or if they really dive in.