Alright, so I came across an article in which a guy name "Coach Bob" (undoubtedly a fictitious name) wrote an article concerning his beliefs of how technology is affecting today's sports. He focused on the games of baseball and golf in his examples. Coach Bob speaks of how metal bats create more home runs and higher batting averages for "weaker" players which would not experience such otherwise. The excitement of the "short-game" (bunting, hit-and-run, etc) has been eliminated due to these improvements, the Coach feels. It seems as though he feels the integrity of the game has been somewhat ruined in this respect.
In his other example, he explains how advancements in golf have resulted in greater driving distances and lower scores. He offers questions about what should be done to make golf more reliant on natural skill versus technology, but no solutions.
I understand his perspective, but I believe increases in technology have touched every aspect of society, and sports are not any different. It is the world we live in, and as long as they are within the rules of the game, or do not give an unfair advantage, I think technological advances are good. They keep games exciting, and avoids monotony.
http://www.infosports.com/baseball/arch/1031.htm
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2 comments:
Oh that Coach Bob... As far as baseball goes, its all about consistency. Right now, metal bats are used growing up and through high school. This is done for many reasons. If Coach Bob wants to fund the money for millions of bats across the world then good for him. Until you learn how to swing correctly and hit the ball on the sweet spot, bats will shatter every swing. They still shatter bats inthe majors, but this is more cause the pitchers are just nasty. Who cares if home runs and batting averages go up? Everybody in that league is using them so they are all consistent. its not like the metal batted kids are getting scholarships while the wooden batted kids stop playing. Its similar to the SAT going from 1600 to 2400. Yes, the scores will be higher, but if everybody is on the same playing field it shouldnt make a difference at all.
Golf equipment gets better and courses get longer. The sport adapts with what it has workin for it. They are all playing with the same equipment, which similar to baseball, brings the natural skill back into the game. If it was all about equipment, Zach Johnson wouldnt have won the Masters above par. I agree with you CJ in that its the world we live in. There is no way to get away from it, and we just have to do a good job of adapting to the situation.
I agree with Pick on this. The metal bats are for learning purposes for kids growing up. Everyone is on the same level. It's not as if the better kids are using the wooden bats and the one's who aren't doing so well are using the metal bats. I find it odd that the college level is still using metal bats though. I think the transition from college to the pros is much harder to make than from high school to college.
Every aspect that has to do with sports is going to keep improving as long as advances in technology keeps happening.
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