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I think the Oakland Athletics is a prime example of a team that does not swing for the fences. I'm not an Athletics fan but I like their small ball approach: get them on, move them over, get them home.
I remember when the Angels were the best team team for going from first to third. They were always stealing bases and putting pressure on the pitcher, catcher and SS/2nd base. Scioscia always had something going. Now, the Angels are notorious first pitch swingers and they do not manufacture runs like they used to. They are not disciplined in the batter's box. Scioscia's style has changed because Arte Moreno wanted box office and more payroll, as a result, by bringing in power hitters that are over paid and can't get on base. Those were the days.
The trend towards more home runs has been occurring for at least the last 25 years and predates sabermetrics.
A major reason why most guys swing for the fences (or perhaps more accurately a major reason why most players are able to swing for the fences) is that a very high percentage of the bat's weight is concentrated in the barrel, and bat handles are very, very thin compared to historic norms. This makes the bat lighter overall, and allows players to swing the bat harder. Not coincidentally, this is also the reason why 1) strikeouts are at historically high levels and 2) bats break very frequently in today's game. Some people who are knowledgeable about baseball history know that guys who played many, many years ago (like Babe Ruth and Jimmie Foxx) would name their bats, or have a favorite bat to use. Can you imagine a player today naming his bat? Of course not, because the bats don't last long enough to acquire names.
If MLB would force a minimum bat handle size (one that is higher than the current practical minimum) and gradually increase that size until bat handles were at widths common 30-40 years ago, not only would there be a lot fewer broken bats, there would also be an increased focus on speed and bat control because fewer players would be able to hit home runs. The game would probably be made more appealing.
As a side note, I think this is a major part of the reason why few black athletes (or more accurately, more black American or African-American athletes) play baseball. Baseball is perceived as an unathletic sport; the emphasis on power rather than speed contributes to that. I have the impression that most black American athletes, to a greater degree than non-black American athletes, want to play sports, such as basketball or football, where athleticism is emphasized and valued. If athleticism was emphasized to a greater degree in baseball, I think you'd see African-Americans playing the sport.
baseball is a game of smarts and mechanics thats why billy butler can play. being an athlete is a plus and lets be honest there are still alot of top tier athletes trout, harper, mccutcheon heyward etc
As a side note, I think this is a major part of the reason why few black athletes (or more accurately, more black American or African-American athletes) play baseball. Baseball is perceived as an unathletic sport; the emphasis on power rather than speed contributes to that. I have the impression that most black American athletes, to a greater degree than non-black American athletes, want to play sports, such as basketball or football, where athleticism is emphasized and valued. If athleticism was emphasized to a greater degree in baseball, I think you'd see African-Americans playing the sport.
I think it's due to the insane cost more than anything. 70 bucks for a good glove, another 200 for a solid bat, 50 for cleats; the costs just add up. An inner city kid from a poor place like Detroit or St. Louis can't afford all those costs, and will be moved towards sports where all you need to buy is a ball and have a net to shoot the ball into
I think it's due to the insane cost more than anything. 70 bucks for a good glove, another 200 for a solid bat, 50 for cleats; the costs just add up. An inner city kid from a poor place like Detroit or St. Louis can't afford all those costs, and will be moved towards sports where all you need to buy is a ball and have a net to shoot the ball into
After a glove and a pair of shoes (which every sport demands a somewhat personal version of), that's about it. I'm sorry... the idea that "baseball is expensive, so kids can't play it" just struck me as kinda ridiculous. Throw the ball. Catch the ball. Hit the ball. On the basic level, last I checked (last week), a Wiffleball set was $4. You know this is the sport that carried lots of people through the Great Depression?
Also, the notion that baseball isn't an athletic sport is incorrect. Does it involve the level of fitness as soccer? No. Pitchers aside, take a look at the average professional baseball player.
Case in point:
There's definitely a trend of fewer young blacks in baseball, but I'm not sure it's attributable to cost more than anything else. It may be more of a leadership/organizational problem.
I think it's due to the insane cost more than anything. 70 bucks for a good glove, another 200 for a solid bat, 50 for cleats; the costs just add up. An inner city kid from a poor place like Detroit or St. Louis can't afford all those costs, and will be moved towards sports where all you need to buy is a ball and have a net to shoot the ball into
that and in these inner cities they don't have baseball diamonds they have basketball courts
On getting to first base, there are eight ways. Can you name them?
Spoiler
Hit
HBP
Walk
Error
Fielders choice
Catchers interference
dropped third strike
pinch runner
Well, I was gonna try my hand, but your spoiler popped up in the quote section
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Those were the days.
