MLB Ball Park differences...

...something I always shake my head at is when someone invariably mentions that certain players "should benefit from the short porch in YS" regardless of whether they are power hitters or not.

...I'm sure that somewhere there's a chart showing where all HRs landed with an overlay of each stadium so this could be checked into further...although I'm not certain how accurate those kind of spray charts truly are.
...also, as it is now, most all ball parks have their different quirks, as well as different dimensions, different fence heights, different foul territories, different distances from home plate to the backstop, indoor and outdoor stadiums, natural grass and artificial grass...hell, even different altitudes can have an effect on games. All of these different factors directly influence every player's stats and performance, whether we're talking offense, defense, or pitching.


...these 2 links are kinda interesting when comparing different parks.


http://nesn.com/2014/04/fenway-park-has-shallowest-outfield-in-mlb-in-cool-infographic-photo/

http://thumbnails.visually.netdna-cdn.com/baseballs-many-physical-dimensions_53344ca673751.png

 

Good stuff as usual 59....

 

Been hearing about that "short porch" ever since I can remember. Each team gets 27 chances minimum to master a bop that goes over the wall.

 

When the Yanks signed McCann there were HR "spray charts" produced (on this board) from his Atlanta days which indicated he wouldn't benefit and hit more HRs playing his home games at Yankee Stadium.
Since he's been with the Yanks:
49 total HRs, 35 at home,
1 HR every 13.8 AB @ home, 1 HR every 34 AB on the road.



I guess the way the ball carries in certain parks wasn't included on those charts, nor how a batter sees the ball or comfort zone batting in a ballpark.

 

^^^^^ Girardi has it all down in his black binder! LOL

 

Don't get me started on Girardi.....because of "Trashman" (and Hal), I believe he has been flying under the radar screen.
There seems to be some kind of untouchable, beyond reproach tag associated with this guy.

 

...yup, and though both the RF line and the power alley in RF is now actually further than it was when the original YS opened, it's still a pretty good poke...LF was brutal for RHed hitters back in the day...457 feel to left center...DiMaggio and Mantle were robbed of countless HRs.

...here's the original dimensions and the dimensions after the 1976 renovation as well as the new YS.

 

Yeah that old stadium before the renovation was just sick. I still remember watching Bobby Murcer going through the monuments in CF to retrieve a ball.

 

At one point I believe they moved LCF closer (420'?) to "accommodate" Winfield.
And yep, the "old" YS was brutal on RHB - 461 CF, 457' LCF. yikes!
We'll never know how many HRs DiMaggio would've hit in his heyday if he played within "average" dimensions instead of the old YS, and in particular the year he hit 46 HRs.
Could it be, was it 14-20 balls which would've been HRs in an "average" park?
You have to wonder how many balls he hit well over 400' to CF-LCF which were caught or dropped in for doubles or triples instead of HRs.(YS)

 

makes me always respect The Mick, and DiMaggio, that much more, for over powering Blasts to Cavernous Left to CF. The YS layout indeed did cost both greats numerous HR's lost to those insane dimensions.

Both cemented their Legend as epic Players, by both defending and Hitting across the Grand Canyon.

it's a wonder Murcer didn't break his legs or back running into those Monuments, as well as any other CF'r, playing in old YS....

Only one other player comes to mind, who's lifetime stats would of seen more HR's, was Mays Polo Ground, then chain link Hurricane shore, they call Candlestick......

 

Here's a little piece of it............

 

Here's some great photos of the old park.

http://stuffnobodycaresabout.com/2011/06/08/the-original-yankee-stadium/

 

...cool pics, Rick...I had forgotten that at one time, they let the fans walk through the field after the game...must have been a thrill.

 

Combs, Di-Maggio, Mantle, & Murcer , excellent fielders in conjunction with outfield expanse made for many disappointing game days for the opposition.

 

Never hit much for average & was out of the game at 30 but I also enjoyed Tommy Tresh & later Roy White in LF.

 

Roy White and Mel Stottlemyer, right arrivals, wrong time frame.

 

Never hit much for average & was out of the game at 30 but I also enjoyed Tommy Tresh & later Roy White in LF.
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Roy White and Mel Stottlemyer, right arrivals, wrong time frame.
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We had high expectations for Tom Tresh- switch hitter came along in the early-mid 60s, hit over 20 HRs a few times....faded fast.
Roy White was a good player, also a switch hitter- did a little bit of everything, good LF , good speed, can pop a couple of HRs...always remember him having a good eye at the plate drawing walks....throwing arm was weak....he played up to the championship teams of the 70s....has always been a fan favorite but one of those guys from the mid-60s who has faded from memory except with fans "our" age.

I can remember the visitors bullpen in the outfield and occasionally you can lean over the railing and see a guy discreetly smoking a cigarette.
I don't remember it being "a big deal".... lol