Do hitters hit themselves on the leg more now after swinging at the ball then in past decades?

Question

Do hitters hit themselves on the leg more now after swinging at the ball now then in past decades?
I dont remember players from the 70's and 80's wearing leg protection and I don't remember so many of them falling down at the plate after fouling the ball off their leg.

Answer 1

Probably so for three reasons. First, already mentioned is the increased use of breaking balls which are more likely to be fouled off at a downward angle as the batter swings over top of the pitch. Second, there is probably increased use of the uppercut swing for power as oppsed to the level swing , given the increased focus on home runs over the years. Finally, I think thinner bat handles also play a role. Bat handles are a good deal thinner than they used to be, meaning that an inside pitch is more likely to be fouled off rather than dinked toward the infield.

In sum, batters probably do hit themselves on the leg more than they used to. It may be more players are falling down after being hit than there used to be because they're swinging harder, going for the long ball as opposed to just placing the ball for a base hit.

Answer 2

They probably do I would guess now that you mention it. But, baseball wasn't as much a TV sport then for us to see balls hit off the leg. BUT, players hit for more homeruns and workout more nowadays. So I was thinking that they may take bigger, sloppier, more walloping swings more often. There is more intensity since baseball is now a career so players will where the protective measures.
I would guess yes.
Also, I don't see baseball players today as better or worse than those of the last 100 years.

Answer 3

There was a time when players didn't even wear batting helmets let alone leg protection. Since the beginning of the game hitters have been taking foul balls of different parts of their bodies.

Answer 4

I think you've come across something that I have been wondering myself.I played Baseball for over 20 years and maybe,maybe hit 1 or 2 off my leg or ankle.
I think the cause may be the pitchers are busting guys inside more,and the split-finger or any other pitch that breaks down and in may be the major cause

Answer 5

No. Players these days earn more money then years ago. Old players played through pain unlike most players will do now days, The players now days are spoiled


M. Clark

Answer 6

yes i think so. players in the 70's and 80's are tougher i guess.

Answer 7

i think its an easy preventative measure to avoid a silly injury

but u could be right

Answer 8

No.