Deadball Player Skill???

[steve B]

Thanks Rhett. Re reading it I think you're right. I initially read it a bit differently Thinking he meant that the exclusion meant fewer players.

Sorry Rhys.

And one of the things that impresses me about the early players is their feilding percentages using the gloves of the time. I've had a catch or two with a 20's glove and its much different and to me much harder than with a modern glove.

Steve B

[Hot Springs Bathers]

Great points throughout the thread. While researching deadball era photos one major factor that stands out to me is the quality of the playing surface. Most of the best fields look worse than todays little league fields.

Watering systems were anemic as was grass study. I can only imagine how crude the mowers were in those days. From what I have read the grounds crew usually consisted of one man who hopefully had a son or two to help. There are several references to the head groundskeeper and his family LIVING in the stadium!

Along with era gloves I think the fielding percentages are actually amazing.