Document Type

Article

Publication Date

Fall 12-15-2017

Abstract

2014 was a record year for pitchers followed by an abrupt reversal in trends with offensive numbers increasing steadily in 2015 and 2016, culminating with a record-setting year for hitters in 2017. This article explores similar offensive explosions throughout the history of Major League Baseball in order to draw parallels to the current extraordinary increase in offense. Evidence of this increase is provided by analyzing the trends of ten separate statistical categories, as well as the statistical trends of the top forty hitters, and twenty pitchers in Major League Baseball. This analysis and research provides the context for discussing possible reasons for such a profound offensive explosion; from steroid use to possibly tampering with the manufacturing of the baseball itself, this article discusses the implications of a dramatically changing baseball landscape where offense reigns supreme.

Comments

This paper is in progress, pending a final revision.

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