the "ZONE" & calling it by the book.....

[senior]

I've been looking for the higher zone to come back for quite some time. Although never "officially" sanctioned, the low strike zone was eased into our national pastime by several natural forces. The first and longer running scenario is the constant griping by the millionaires who feel the Umpire should be blamed for their being called out on strikes, because if they didn't swing, it couldn't be a strike. The second cause was the so-called improvement in Umpire chest protection which is now worn inside the shirt. As this feature gained acceptance, the Umpires naturally hunkered down to help protect themselves. This was very evident in the years that the American League kept the "balloon" in use, but the National League used the inside protection. The two leagues had two different zones being called, although using the same rules.
I have often wondered how the Major League pitchers have kept from breaking away into their own branch of the Union, and getting some breaks of their own. Lowering the Mound, the shrinking of the strike zone, and letting the hitters look like Armadillos when they come to bat have changed the game into an "Advantage-Batter" situation. I welcome the new emphasis and think it will make the game more exciting. Hopefully it will eliminate the "looking for a walk" aspect we have allowed to slip into our great game.