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I have long been convinced that this is the primary reason it's popular. Most of the rest of the world is too poor to avoid sports equipment.

Precisely my opinion, as well. American by their nature generally use every tool at their disposal to get a job done. If the proper tool or equipment wasn't available, someone invented or developed it. We have always wanted a bigger/better/faster way to get things done. With no equipment, the game doesn't progress. There are always equipment improvements in our popular sports - football, baseball, tennis, etc.

And, what's the point of handicapping players by not allowing them to use the best tool they have, their hands? Just doesn't make sense to me.