Just to clear up a misconception. Pitchers today DO NOT throw harder than those in previous eras. Despite everything you see on television today, it is a FACT that less than 10 percent of today's big league pitchers CONSISTANTLY throw 90+ mph. You can't rely on the speed figures given by the networks or those in big league ball parks. They are WAY high. I've seen Tom Glavine pitch on television where he was said to have been consistantly at 90-91 with his fastball. Glavine hasn't thrown a pitch above 89 in years. Why would they do this? The same reason that balls are juiced and players are too. The public wants high numbers. They pay for high numbers.
Bonds taking steroids is an afront to the integrity of the game, but the buying public doesn't care. They want too see home runs. Why do you think most new ball parks are smaller? Why did baseball take away the pitcher's edge after the most dominating pitching year in history (1968)? Because the public wants offense. What we're seeing may not be the same game, but it's pretty exciting. Taco Bell isn't even close to real Mexican food, but DAMN I love those burritos!
|