Los Angeles Angels two-way star Shohei Ohtani is changing the game of baseball and setting the precedent for future two-way players like himself.
But there’s more than just Ohtani that is changing the game.
In fact, one of the biggest changes we have seen in recent years, especially in 2022, is the use of different types of baseballs.
Ohtani himself was asked about the situation and whether or not he felt that the balls were a little less juiced and said that he believes they are, citing stats such as exit velocity and launch angle and saying that there have been some balls that normally would leave the yard that haven’t.
Asked Ohtani if he felt the balls were deader in 2022:
“I do feel it personally, and just by watching the games, I feel like the balls aren’t as juiced. And just by looking at the numbers — exit velo, launch angle — there are some balls that should leave the yard that haven’t.”
— Sam Blum (@SamBlum3) May 10, 2022
Different Baseballs?
When one of the best hitters in all of baseball says that the balls are a little less juiced than in recent years, you know that there’s something to the theory suggesting that they are.
He’s correct in pointing out that several hard-hit balls that normally would be home runs have not ended up as such.
A lot of balls have ended up dying at the track this season.
Power numbers are noticeably down from a year ago.
Several fans and players have pointed out the differences recently, which are also quite noticeable this season.
It’s a frustrating reality that different types of balls are being used in different circumstances.
The higher ups in Major League Baseball are constantly changing what types of baseballs are used and it is having a very clear negative effect on power hitters in the league and their power numbers.
Ohtani is just preaching to the choir here.
Who knows how many types of baseballs are being used for different games and different circumstances.
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