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identify7John, since the premise of the proposed theory is the disparity between the extremes in (talent, I guess) performance as described as the steepness of a bell curve; it is necessary to draw from what is normally considered outliers.
As I indicated though, these outliers have company, specifically 7 of the 8 lowest ERA pitchers are from the 20th century, as are two of the three highest. Additionally 4 of the 5 highest lifetime batters are from the 20th century, as are 6 of the 7 lowest.
So, I conclude that evidence regarding a greater extreme in performance is substantiated for the early 20th century players, as compared to 19th century players.
I believe that the approach to an analysis of the statistical data which you suggest will address the capabilities of the population of players from each era, rather than focus on those who perform in the extreme. (Which of course would be interesting and valuable information ie. the performance of all players).
But if the subject of the theory is not the generation of statistical values, and the bell curve is simply utilized as an analogous tool; then its author has placed himself on firm footing since it is impossible to refute a conceptual tool.
Further this discussion is viewed by me as a digression from the thread's intent. Its path was only followed because I had not mentally resolved this theory when I first came across it. And I thought others may enjoy it.