Author Archives: Doug

Sixty feet six inches and the birth of relief pitching

This season marks 125 years since pitchers first launched their offerings from the current distance of 60½ feet from home plate. That’s 10½ feet or more than 20% further than before the 1893 season, a massive change that launched the 1890s “ultra-live ball” era but also introduced the more lasting change of pitchers who were used fairly frequently in relief roles. More after the jump. Continue reading →

Circle of Greats 2018 Redemption Round

This Circle of Greats (COG) vote is not to induct anyone into the Circle. Instead, this round of voting will:
   – select three players who will be restored back to the main ballot after having been previously dropped from eligibility
   – select seven more players who will initially populate a secondary ballot to be used to supplement the primary COG ballot in future rounds of COG voting. Continue reading →