In 2018, Kentucky had the worst conference-only ERA in the SEC at 6.62. The other 13 teams were all at 5.50 or below. SEC teams collectively averaged 5.28 runs per game in SEC games.
In 2023, LSU has a team ERA of 5.92, not much better than that 2018 UK team, and they are ranked in the top half of the league in team ERA. 6 freaking teams with a conference only ERA above 7.00. SEC teams are currently collectively averaging 6.65 runs per game in conference play.
What is weird is that there isn’t a huge difference in league batting average (.265 vs. .264). But there is a HUGE difference in home runs - there have already been 100 more home runs hit in 2023 than there were in all of 2018, and we still have 2 weekends left to go. Walks and HBP are also up….there have already been as many walks and more HBP than there were in all of 2018 in SEC games. And that is with the new run rule shortening several games, too.
I feel like this has been a trend over the past several years, but what is causing this? Has the “3 true outcome” philosophy finally started taking over college baseball as well as the pros, and impacted what kinds of players are being recruited? Pitching clock? Horrible SEC pitching talent this year? PED’s? Scott Foxhall? The lower seam ball happened prior to 2018 so that certainly can’t be the reason.
It seems that after the dead-bat era, the pendelum has now swung back too far in the other direction back to the 90’s gorilla ball days. I’m not sure how that needs to be addressed, but it seems like it should be.
In 2023, LSU has a team ERA of 5.92, not much better than that 2018 UK team, and they are ranked in the top half of the league in team ERA. 6 freaking teams with a conference only ERA above 7.00. SEC teams are currently collectively averaging 6.65 runs per game in conference play.
What is weird is that there isn’t a huge difference in league batting average (.265 vs. .264). But there is a HUGE difference in home runs - there have already been 100 more home runs hit in 2023 than there were in all of 2018, and we still have 2 weekends left to go. Walks and HBP are also up….there have already been as many walks and more HBP than there were in all of 2018 in SEC games. And that is with the new run rule shortening several games, too.
I feel like this has been a trend over the past several years, but what is causing this? Has the “3 true outcome” philosophy finally started taking over college baseball as well as the pros, and impacted what kinds of players are being recruited? Pitching clock? Horrible SEC pitching talent this year? PED’s? Scott Foxhall? The lower seam ball happened prior to 2018 so that certainly can’t be the reason.
It seems that after the dead-bat era, the pendelum has now swung back too far in the other direction back to the 90’s gorilla ball days. I’m not sure how that needs to be addressed, but it seems like it should be.
Last edited:
