Was the DH the beginning of the end for small balll?

[Hy Feiber]

I remember when the pitcher had to hit, he invariably turned to bunting, some became experts at it, and it likely had an impact on other players.

If you’re an expert bunter, no one applauds your launch angle or exit velocity, which mean nothing.

And those who still know how to hit behind the runner, get no respect.

Modern baseball is all about image, not substance.

I know, DT, “ball” has 2 l’s!

Haha

[D-train]

there is a reason that bunter and punter rhymes.

[Michael K.]

Small ball wins games, but it doesn't get players paid. When guys like Ozzie Smith were mediocre hitters, but great defenders, good bunters and baserunners, and were valued for that? Other players would emulate that. That little SS for Toronto killed us this series. I wonder how much money he makes in comparison to the rest of the guys in that starting lineup. Wasn't it Donaldson that said "the money is in the air"? The DH didn't kill small ball, baseball organizations did by paying guys that strike out 200 times but hit 40 HRs like Kings.

If my boss comes to me tomorrow and says "we need you in estimating, it's going to be the best thing for this organization to thrive. BUT, because you are in estimating, you have to take a pay cut." What is my motivation to "help the team"? Learning to bunt is an awesome skill, and will help the team...but will it get that player paid? Fuck no.

[Hy Feiber]

Small ball wins games, but it doesn't get players paid. When guys like Ozzie Smith were mediocre hitters, but great defenders, good bunters and baserunners, and were valued for that? Other players would emulate that. That little SS for Toronto killed us this series. I wonder how much money he makes in comparison to the rest of the guys in that starting lineup. Wasn't it Donaldson that said "the money is in the air"? The DH didn't kill small ball, baseball organizations did by paying guys that strike out 200 times but hit 40 HRs like Kings.

If my boss comes to me tomorrow and says "we need you in estimating, it's going to be the best thing for this organization to thrive. BUT, because you are in estimating, you have to take a pay cut." What is my motivation to "help the team"? Learning to bunt is an awesome skill, and will help the team...but will it get that player paid? Fuck no.

Your points have merit, but the two arguments are not necessarily mutually exclusive.

The great increase in player salaries occurred roughly 20 years after inception of the DH.