This article seems to confirm that something has changed in the reaction of a MLB baseball to being struck by a wooden bat. While they admit it seems a fact, they don't know exactly why just yet. Also interesting is the third last paragraph which indicates that the change in the way the hitters approach their craft appears to have had no effect on the increase in HR's.

 

https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/sports/wp/2018/05/24/mlb-finally-admits-changes-to-ball-itself-fueled-home-run-spike-but-doesnt-say-how-or-why/?utm_term=.443d196303c7

Edited May 25, 20188 yr by Platoon

Very interesting. I really don't think the players "launch angle" approach was the reason for the increased home runs. That was BS. But less drag on the ball? That's something.

I understand the theory of metrics, but consider it more a counting tool, per se. Baseball people have known for years that if you hit a baseball at an, to use a Dan Gladden favorite, "elevated" angle it will go further, maybe into the seats. If you hit it too elevated, the SS catches it. We used to call those pop ups. . If you hit it really hard and flat it will find the ground faster and raise you BABIP or whatever. And if you hit it on the ground most of the time the pitcher will be happy. But. What comes first, the chicken or the launch angle? If you hit the ball at the right angle, and have some power, you get home runs. If you hit home runs, dollars to donuts says your launch angle will be higher than if you hit ground balls. But the bottom line, is if you TRY and raise your launch angle, you will likely hit more home runs. And you will likely strike out more often. Will the end justify the means? As Sherlock would have said, Therein lies the question.

If you hit the ball at the right angle

... the catcher calls off all the others in the infield and after a few seconds you are declared out.

... the catcher calls off all the others in the infield and after a few seconds you are declared out.

. I was taken out of context!

. I was taken out of context!

Just one of the many services I offer!

 

BTW, the Panel would also have accepted "it was my understanding that there would be no math" as a reply.