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Big Six · 01-26-2004, 02:11 PM

Sporting Life, May 30, 1914

HOME RUN SURGE IN AMERICAN LEAGUE

DETROIT--Rooters who enjoy the thrill of watching a batted ball flying into the stands and a batsman circle the bags at a trot have enjoyed the first two months of the American League season.

Never before have so many home runs been hit, causing some observers of the game to wonder what the cause of the phenomenon might be.

"Some umpires have been putting new balls in play rather quickly," commented Detroit rookie twirler Harry Moran. "The new balls are slick, and hitters can see them easily." Moran, a promising youngster, has been treated especially roughly. He has allowed eight home runs this season, most in the major leagues.

Ome of his teammates have been clouting the pill with just as much authority, however. Perennial star Sam Crawford has already connected for nine homers, exceeding the total he has accumulated in all but two of his full seasons. "I think the ball has more life this season," Crawford opined. "When I hit the ball hard, it's flying off the bat like never before."

Teammate Tex Irwin agrees. "I have been surprised at least three times when balls I hit went over the fence. I ran hard out of the box, thinking I'd put one off the fence, only to find I'd cleared it." Erwin, who reached his career high with nine circuit clouts last season, already has notched seven through two months, and has driven home 56 runs in 57 games.

Not all batsmen are enjoying the power surge, however. Tigers star Ty Cobb has yet to hit one out of the ballpark. "They are saving the dirty, lifeless balls for me, I guess," he said with a sparkle in his eye. Ty can afford to grin, however, as he leads the major leagues with a .390 percentage.

The Red Sox, in town to play the Tigers, have 21 home runs as a team, second highest in the league behind the Cleveland Naps. While no Sox batter has more than four home runs, every member of their regular lineup except outfielder Chet Chadbourne has hit at least one.

Tris Speaker has 28 extra-base knocks this season, best in base ball. "I've never seen so many balls end up at, or over, the fence. I've hit my share, but I've also chased a few out there," he said.

Teammate Pat O'Farrell, who has never hit more than seven home runs in the major leagues, has three this season. "I'm not a home run hitter, and I have to discipline myself to keep from overswinging and going for homers. We all enjoy the thrill of hitting one over the wall, but I'd rather drive in a run with a well-placed single than strand a baserunner by striking out, because I tried to hit a home run."

When asked about the home run trend, Red Sox pitcher Joe Wood smiled. "I suppose I've been lucky. I haven't given one up yet. Hopefully those Detroit sluggers won't make that change this weekend."

01-26-2004, 02:11 PM	#156
Big Six Hall Of Famer Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: Virginia Posts: 3,145	Going yard Sporting Life, May 30, 1914 HOME RUN SURGE IN AMERICAN LEAGUE DETROIT--Rooters who enjoy the thrill of watching a batted ball flying into the stands and a batsman circle the bags at a trot have enjoyed the first two months of the American League season. Never before have so many home runs been hit, causing some observers of the game to wonder what the cause of the phenomenon might be. "Some umpires have been putting new balls in play rather quickly," commented Detroit rookie twirler Harry Moran. "The new balls are slick, and hitters can see them easily." Moran, a promising youngster, has been treated especially roughly. He has allowed eight home runs this season, most in the major leagues. Ome of his teammates have been clouting the pill with just as much authority, however. Perennial star Sam Crawford has already connected for nine homers, exceeding the total he has accumulated in all but two of his full seasons. "I think the ball has more life this season," Crawford opined. "When I hit the ball hard, it's flying off the bat like never before." Teammate Tex Irwin agrees. "I have been surprised at least three times when balls I hit went over the fence. I ran hard out of the box, thinking I'd put one off the fence, only to find I'd cleared it." Erwin, who reached his career high with nine circuit clouts last season, already has notched seven through two months, and has driven home 56 runs in 57 games. Not all batsmen are enjoying the power surge, however. Tigers star Ty Cobb has yet to hit one out of the ballpark. "They are saving the dirty, lifeless balls for me, I guess," he said with a sparkle in his eye. Ty can afford to grin, however, as he leads the major leagues with a .390 percentage. The Red Sox, in town to play the Tigers, have 21 home runs as a team, second highest in the league behind the Cleveland Naps. While no Sox batter has more than four home runs, every member of their regular lineup except outfielder Chet Chadbourne has hit at least one. Tris Speaker has 28 extra-base knocks this season, best in base ball. "I've never seen so many balls end up at, or over, the fence. I've hit my share, but I've also chased a few out there," he said. Teammate Pat O'Farrell, who has never hit more than seven home runs in the major leagues, has three this season. "I'm not a home run hitter, and I have to discipline myself to keep from overswinging and going for homers. We all enjoy the thrill of hitting one over the wall, but I'd rather drive in a run with a well-placed single than strand a baserunner by striking out, because I tried to hit a home run." When asked about the home run trend, Red Sox pitcher Joe Wood smiled. "I suppose I've been lucky. I haven't given one up yet. Hopefully those Detroit sluggers won't make that change this weekend."