Joe DiMaggio’s 56 Game Hitting Streak Began 75 Years Ago Today

American Spectator ^ | May 15, 2016 | Aaron Goldstein

[nickcarraway]

It was 75 years ago today when New York Yankees center fielder Joe DiMaggio hit a single in a 13-1 drubbing to the Chicago White Sox. That hit was the first step in what became a hitting streak which hit 56 games. This record still stands 75 years later.

As I write this, I am watching the Boston Red Sox-Houston Astros game. A short time ago, Red Sox center fielder Jackie Bradley, Jr. hit a single to extend his hitting streak to 21 games. It’s nothing to sneeze at as Bradley is rapidly emerging was one of the premier players in MLB. But to give you an idea of how monumental DiMaggio’s hitting streak is Bradley would have to collect a base hit in every Red Sox game between tomorrow and June 24th when they begin a 3-game series against the Texas Rangers (assuming Bradley isn’t given a day off or if a game isn’t postponed by rain).

[Roccus]

I think the development of sabermetrics and modern baseball analytics has done more to diminish "small ball" than anything else. The risk/reward balance for stolen base attempts has been shown to be pretty poor, and "small ball" has really been relegated to National League games between dominant pitchers where opportunities to score runs are few and far between.

That's why I suggest the 3-5 foot reduction between bases. Think how many of today's close "out" plays would become "safe." Hitters would be more inclined to stretch singles to doubles, and so on. Stolen base attempts would yield a shift in the risk/reward ratio. Men on base with a steal being a viable option equals a more exciting game IMO.

As an example, remember the Mets of the mid-80s? Love 'em or hate 'em, they made for many very fun games to watch. They had some dominant pitching, some good long ball hitters, some slap/bunt small ball guys and speed. You won't need a bunch of super-stars to accomplish that again.

...or perhaps I'm just living in the past...