Fixing MLB Series: Let’s start with the baseballs
The MLB product is getting stagnant. One way to fix it is to “re-adjust” the ball.
Baseballs flew out of stadiums at a record rate in 2019, to the tune of 6,776, that was 671 more home runs than the previous best year (2017). In MLB from 2014 until 2019, home runs left ballparks at an increase of 2,590 overall or an extra 14 home runs per day during the regular season.
Maybe some of the increase could be attributed to the hyper-awareness of loft and exit velocity that Statcast provides. Some of it also a product of the baseball itself.
Facts
Major League Baseball owns Rawlings Inc., the maker of baseball and, more specifically, baseballs used in MLB games. In June of 2019, MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred said that the balls traveled further due to less drag.
He explained that the “pill” in the center of the baseball is designed to increase drag and therefore lessening the overall distance traveled.
In a memo released to the teams from Major League Baseball this February, teams were informed that the ball would weigh approximately 2.8 grams more than previous balls weighed. The intentional consequence is to make the ball fly two feet less on a ball traveling 375 feet.
After a record rate of 1.395 Home Runs per game in 2019, there is a significant reduction in home runs to date in 2021 (1.141 per game). However, in 2019, the strikeout rate was 8.815 per game (highest ever), yet in 2021 the rate is outpacing the record at 8.970.
Batting averages are also taking a big hit. In 2019, the average for the entire league was .252, while in 2021, the average is .236.
What to do
Fix the baseball. There are plenty of fixes that need to happen. Manfred already proved to be someone who will tinker with the game whether fans like it or not. In 2019, Manfred said that the fans were interested in more scoring and fewer pitcher duels.
The record for no-hitters in a season is seven, achieved four times, the last time was in 1990. Last Wednesday, Corey Kluber of the Yankees recorded the sixth (not counting Madison Bumgarner’s seven-inning no-hitter) hitless game of the young season. There are still over four months of the season remaining.
There are two fixes that I would implement right now. The first one is removing the 2.8 grams added to this year’s official ball. The move clearly hasn’t helped MLB offenses. It’s almost hard to believe that 2.8 grams had such a profound impact on the product.
Next, Lower the seams. While research supports that a flat-seamed baseball travels further, it also reduces the spin rate. Another Statcast favorite, the recent focus on spin rate, led to very high strikeout numbers.
The advantage then shifts a little more in the batter’s favor by making either of these fixes. That’s what fans want.
Final Thoughts
Major League Baseball has a big problem on its hands. The lack of hitting, fewer home runs, and more emphasis on the strikeout portion of the “three true outcomes” makes for frustrating baseball. Frustrating baseball leads to boring games and fan indifference.
It’s not just about scoring runs. Fans want to see amazing athletic performances, legging out doubles, diving for baseballs, etc. The more strikeouts and home runs happen, the lower the chance to see great athletes make great plays.
Related Story: Someone needs to re-write baseball’s unwritten rules
What do you think about re-adjusting the baseballs MLB uses? Let us know in the comments section below or on social media.