[Archive]

Posted By: Gilbert Maines

Fallacy:
19th century records don't count because the pitching distance was 50', sometimes walks counted as hits, the batter could call for a low or high pitch, and other quaint rules were in force.

Truth:
Baseball rules are frequently changed. As recently as the early 50s a sacrifice fly which scored a runner counted as a time at bat. Similarly, the designated hitter rule has a significant current impact on ERAs.

Kilroy struck out over 500 batters in the 1800s because he pitched a lot of innings (he averaged less than 1K/in.). True the pitching distance was 50', but he couldn't throw overhand and the strike zone was half of what exists now because "high or low pitch" was dictated by the batter.

The following year, Tip O'Neill finished up his season winning the triple crown as well as leading in doubles and triples (and stealing 30 bases). This was the first year in which the batter's preference for a high or low pitch did not have to be accomodated by the pitcher.

Although performance may not be directly comparible over all eras, complete dismissal of any period of baseball history is a choice which I feel limits a person's enjoyment. But understanding everything which has happened is no small task.