I miss baseball's golden age
- Thread starter RAMA
- Start date
Yeah, the 20's and 30's are typically referred to as the golden era of baseball.
A pitcher's duel isn't something to be despised at all. If you want the instant gratification of a high scoring game, I'd suggest you check our the minor leagues. Pitchers down there are more likely to make a mistake.
Rama, while the "steroids era" doesn't bother me, for I believe that it invigorated baseball. There is nothing better then a pitching duel. With the example of RA Dickeys multiple 1 hit games and innings without letting up runs, made real compeling baseball and that is the best thing ever.
How do you feel about the designated hitter? Should the NL adopt it?
How do you feel about the designated hitter? Should the NL adopt it?
I dunno, while it was fun to watch at times. I definitely was into the Home Run race of 98. That's the first thing in awhile us Cub fans had to cheer about. But by the early 2000's with a dozen guys hitting 50+ a season it just kinda cheapened it. And Hall of Fame voting really had been reflecting this too.
Honestly though I can't see how anyone can argue the days of Ty Cobb, Honus Wagner, Babe Ruth and Lou Gehrig aren't the golden days of baseball though.
As for the DH? Ugh. I always hated the concept. I'm always of the opinion if you have a big guy who can barely move around on your team, that's great, but he needs to play a position. To say nothing of the DH's presence removing the strategy revolving around pitching changes, pinch hitting and double switches. Then again it's no coincidence for the most part you see only the AL going out and taking those A-Rod and Pujols long contract gambles.
While it was fun to watch all the home run records being broken during that time period, I do appreciate some well-pitched games more.
The steriods era is hardly what I'd consider the "golden age". I'd much rather see a good pitching duel.
As for the DH, I'm kind of torn about it. While I appreciate that GMs need to think more strategically without a DH, I also like that good hitters can extend their careers as a DH (Jim Thome comes to mind). And in this day in age pitchers are never going to take the time to hone their batting skills, so it's almost a free out when they come to the plate.
As for the DH, I'm kind of torn about it. While I appreciate that GMs need to think more strategically without a DH, I also like that good hitters can extend their careers as a DH (Jim Thome comes to mind). And in this day in age pitchers are never going to take the time to hone their batting skills, so it's almost a free out when they come to the plate.
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I enjoy pitching duels as well, but I agree with Pegaritaville about the DH. I'd rather see an actual hitter take that spot rather than watching (most) pitchers whiff hilariously and/or basically be a free out.
I can understand the viewpoint of those who dislike the DH, but I think they're fighting a losing battle. The National League will probably switch to a DH eventually. Many fans (especially casual fans) like to see more offense, as this thread shows.
I can understand the viewpoint of those who dislike the DH, but I think they're fighting a losing battle. The National League will probably switch to a DH eventually. Many fans (especially casual fans) like to see more offense, as this thread shows.
I don't think the DH is a big deal. Let the AL have it if they want. It gives aging players who can't run or field the ball anymore, a chance to still be in the game. Players union oughta love that...you know they'll never let the DH go away entirely.
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From a popularity standpoint, MLB is doing great right now. I hate the 2nd wild card, which is dumber than Han shooting first. What is this, the NBA?
I don't want 1-0 and 2-1 games, and I also don't want some guy hitting 97 homers a year.
I like the manufactured run. Single to left, steal second, move to third on an error, score on a fly ball sort of run.
I don't want football scores, I also don't want soccer scores.
I don't want 1-0 and 2-1 games, and I also don't want some guy hitting 97 homers a year.
I like the manufactured run. Single to left, steal second, move to third on an error, score on a fly ball sort of run.
I don't want football scores, I also don't want soccer scores.
Yeah, widespread cheating, dishonesty and lawbreaking is really something to be nostalgic for...
When people call pitcher-dominated games "boring" I have to question how much they really like baseball. It implies the pitcher is a less important part of the game, and taken to its logical conclusion implies that poor pitching makes for a better game than good pitching. Pitcher vs. batter is one of the most interesting and dynamic one-on-one match-ups in all sports. Every pitch matters, there are a myriad of choices to be made and strategies employed. Not to mention the added dimension when there's a runner on, which unfortunately never really translates effectively to TV.
I've never been a Dodgers fan, to put it mildly, but Hershiser's dominating performances in the '88 NLCS and WS are some of the most memorable post-season games I've ever seen. Absolutely riveting baseball.
I don't remember baseball before the AL DH so I'm used to it and it doesn't really bother me, but I suspect I would have resented it at the time, just as I resent interleague games and the division playoffs.
Justin
Because you have to be 90 something to have actually experienced that era yourself and are not just taking the word of a baseball historian
Plus, there's something to be said for a baseball game that ends at a reasonable hour
Yuck. I may be a purist, but I think it detracts from the game. It's a crutch. The DH himself looks bad because he isn't playing a full game. The pitcher that gets the big hit is always a great moment that I'd hate too lose. Finally, it kills those tough dilemmas of games when you're down 1-0 and need to decide if you pull the pitcher or hope you get a hit somewhere else.
All this being said, I think it's inevitable that the DH will win out.
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