Quote:
Originally Posted by robw1959
I don't agree with this, and don't know how anyone can prove it. Satchell Paige was good enough at about age 58 to throw three shutout innings in an MLB game while opposing Bill Monbouquette. Think of how dominant he must have been in his prime, which was maybe right around 1932. During that same year, 'ol Satch faced the Babe during an exhibition game. In one of those at-bats, he almost got whiplash by spinning his head around with disbelief at seeing one of his fastballs turn into a moonshot monster home run to dead centerfield. This was Ruth at the end of his career. I am fully convinced that Babe Ruth could catch up to any fastball pitched today, as well as any bender that caught too much of the plate. Ruth was the original "Natural" well before Robert Redford.
|
Ruth absolutely could have caught up with the pitching velocity of today, I'd question anyone who would say otherwise. Where I think he'd be more human-like is with the guys who throw 95+ AND can throw a slider or legit changeup with the same arm angle and arm speed with a release point that mirrors the fastball. That's what todays pitchers strive for!
The game of today is analytics, and in this sense, by the hitters. They guess.. educated guesses, for sure! This is why you see even the greatest hitters of today look foolish on offspeed pitches sometimes. They weren't served the pitch they were supposed to. All according to advanced scouting, tendencies, and preferences of pitchers on the mound, game situation, etc.
This is what Ruth would be today! There is no doubt in my mind.
Two scenarios:
* Take 1927 Ruth and place him in a game today - I suspect he'd struggle! Initially, then make adjustments. It would take time.
* Take any of today's #3 SP on any team and place them in a game in 1927. They would be a top pitcher in the MLB.