Could Greats from Ruth to Gehrig Hit Today’s Pitching?

To me, the answer to whether greats from the Yankee Era like Babe Ruth, Lou Gehrig, and Jimmie Foxx (Jimmie Hornsby) could hit today’s pitching depends on their circumstances. Presuming they traveled through time to face present-day pitching, none of them would likely stand a chance. The modern game has pitching that is faster and more deceptive, significantly different from what these legend-ry players encountered in their era. Yet, if they had been training and growing up with the modern advancements in baseball, their unique talents might well have allowed them to compete.

Modern Advancements in Pitching

What makes modern pitching different? Today’s pitchers are bigger, stronger, and better trained than ever before. They benefit from advanced training methods, biomechanical improvements, and specialized coaching. Pitching velocities have also reached new heights. For instance, Bob Feller, one of the most famous pitchers of the mid-20th century, threw at 98.6 mph in the 1940s. Even legendary pitchers like Walter Johnson and Lefty Grove are quoted as having thrown faster pitches at their peaks. These numbers represent considerable speed, making it difficult for any player, no matter how great, to compete.

The Evolving Baseball World

The rules and methods of preparing for the batter have changed significantly since the early 1900s. Pitchers now use advanced technology to understand the strengths and weaknesses of their opponents. They can throw curveballs, sliders, and changeups with more precision and velocity. The increased use of batters’ clinics, batting cages, and specialized coaching also means that today’s hitters are better prepared and more resilient. These modern training techniques can significantly enhance a player's natural batting abilities.

Example of Bill James’ Analysis

Bill James, the renowned sabermetrician, recognized these changes in his analysis. In his Historical Baseball Abstract published in 2000, James included an upward adjustment to historical ratings to account for the gradual increase in player performance over time. This adjustment is critical because it acknowledges that modern players have access to information and training methods that earlier players did not.

Modern Hitters' Competitive Edge

Great hitters did not emerge out of thin air in the 1980s. The best hitters from the 1920s and 1930s were just as talented as today’s players. They brought unique skills and strategies that made them formidable in their era. For example, Babe Ruth's incredible power and Lou Gehrig's impeccable timing were as groundbreaking then as they would be now if he were to step into today's game. These players had what it took to hit incredible home runs and singles, but modern players benefit from a more nurturing environment and advanced training techniques.

Final Reflections

So, while the legend-ry greats of yore might find it incredibly challenging to compete against today’s sensational pitching, the possibility remains that with modern training and physical preparation, their talents might still be formidable. The intrinsic natural abilities of these players are what set them apart, and it’s hard to imagine that those abilities wouldn't be enhanced with today’s training methods.