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

American Spectator ^ | May 15, 2016 | Aaron Goldstein

[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...