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Malleus, that sort of question isn't racist. At least I don't think it is. It's pure fact and we are wondering why. That's fair.
skkrrt, I think you have some valid points.
Just look at Sportscenter. I guess I never thought about it before, but just like the slamdunk is ruining the talent level in the NBA (at least in my opinion), the homerun is ruining the pitching talent level.
Maybe that's why there's so many homeruns? Pithers just aren't that great anymore? I don't know. Just a theory - one I'm sure that can be shot down really quickly. But, like others, I'm thinking outloud.
When you play in the park, everyone wants to hit the homerun. You don't get to really do that as a pitcher. There aren't many kids that say, "My favorite players is Jason Schmidt!" They may say Pedro, or Maddux, or Randy Johnson (but their popularity is beyond). However, when you compare that to position players, kids look up to guys like Scott Brosius and Edgar Renteria - not exactly very popular players or great players (even though Renteria will soon become one, if not already).
And like you said, pitching is such a difficult position to learn. Catching is also very abusive and "boring" for kids. There's a lot of skill involved in both positions.
I wouldn't be surprised if some of these Puerto Rican kids learn to be catchers because they figure it's their best way out of the island. Much like Dominicans feel that the homerun is their best way out of the island. And scouts make them feel this way.
I know I sometimes wish I learned how to be a catcher. I might have actually played Division II baseball. Think about it...the spots are so open. No one wants to play catcher.
Interesting topic.
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