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"This season, the two Triple-A leagues switched to the same baseball used in the majors, rather than a cheaper ball used elsewhere in the minors. The results have been stunning. Triple-A teams are on pace to hit more than 2,000 additional home runs from last year—a ridiculous increase of about 60%.
In other words, the debate over why so many home runs are being hit is over. It’s not launch angle. It’s not increased pitcher velocity. It isn’t the bats. It’s the ball."
So what is MLB's response?
"MLB commissioner Rob Manfred acknowledges that the current baseballs have less air resistance and are more aerodynamic than the previous ones. He denies that they have changed at the direction of MLB, attributing the difference to quirks in the manufacturing process, which is done largely by hand."
IMHO, using a ball known to perform better needs to be resolved ASAP. I don't think MLB directed this, but they need to fix it.
In other words, the debate over why so many home runs are being hit is over. It’s not launch angle. It’s not increased pitcher velocity. It isn’t the bats. It’s the ball."
I wouldn't doubt it.
My son was given a foul ball in 2014 at a Padres game from a guy who caught it sitting near us. Still have it. The ball has high seams and you can almost squeeze a small indentation on the ball.
Forward to this year June 2019 DBacks game. Son was given a game ball via a connection to former player commentator in booth. This ball is rock hard almost like a lacrosse ball and the seams are flush to the surface of the ball.
This isn't that tough. I'm in total agreement with Steve9999. Surely whoever made the baseballs that were used PRIOR to this season still has the specifications. Resort back to what has been used the last decade or two. We're omitting many record setting hitters from the Hall of Fame due to their use of performance enhancing drugs. They put a blemish on the records set by players that weren't chemists in all the seasons prior. This baseball thing is kind of doing the same thing. Keep in mind, it's my Twins that are probably going to be the biggest benefactors as they're on a pace to totally own the homerun record.
Maybe we can make next year's baseballs out of the material that made the old "Superballs" that everyone of my age used to own. Yes, we did take these balls to the ball diamond and hit them. We all felt like Willie Mays. If specifications don't matter, why not?
This business with juiced balls is less disturbing than the steroid scandal. The reason is uniformity. Everyone in MLB is getting to hit the same balls, so there is no advantage imparted to any particular club or player. With PEDs, we didn't know who was loading up and who wasn't, except when someone got caught.
This business with juiced balls is less disturbing than the steroid scandal. The reason is uniformity. Everyone in MLB is getting to hit the same balls, so there is no advantage imparted to any particular club or player. With PEDs, we didn't know who was loading up and who wasn't, except when someone got caught.
With all respect, your response is a pile of crap. YES, everyone is hitting the same OVERJUICED TOTALLY ENERGIZED baseballs that NO PLAYERS EVER have had the pleasure of hitting before this season. Sorry, to me this is the same damn thing.
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