Tuesday, May 04, 2010

Too Many Strikeouts and Walks

Great article by Tom Verducci on how this trend is affecting the MLB. I agree it makes for a more boring game, even on the Little League level. I try and teach my kids to put it in play and don't be afraid to strike out swinging. Contact make the game more fun for everyone (excepting the pitcher maybe.)

6 comments:

Cheryl said...

I am one of those who likes to see the ball in play, so yes, I agree there is less to like. But baseball will always be my game of choice simply for it being, well, baseball.
I remember when a walk was considered an almost-embarrassment, at least in the lower leagues. But he's right, it's how it's played now.
I found that article quite interesting. Thanks for bringing it up.

Ralph said...

I try and teach my kids to hit like Dominicans - meaning if they can get their bat on it, go after it. I love the old Domincan saying, "you can't walk off the island." I've paraphrased it to, "You can't walk off Presque Isle, well, almost, but you have to watch for cars..."

Anonymous said...

My little league coach taught us to get on base any way we could: "First base belongs to us, not them. Get there any way you can."

Of course, there were also situations that called for other strategies (hit and run, bunt, sac). However, if you were at bat with nobody on, your job was to be standing on first base at the end of your at-bat.

I walked a lot and scored a lot in LL.

Ralph said...

I like that "first base belongs to us..." good strategy and motivational rhetoric as well. Also, probably comes in handy when dating, as long as you realize that the other bases need to be earned...

Cheryl said...

Now THAT'S funny.

I like it in terms of baseball, too, but I still prefer the crack of the bat.

Ralph said...

ahh, the possibilities for double entendre...