Baseball is a sport that usually involves a lot of planning and strategy. While the basic rules of the game are generally the same, some teams may adjust certain elements to try and gain an advantage. One of the most popular adjustments is to the infield size. While most teams use a standard 11.75 inch infield, some have experimented with larger sizes. But is 11.75 too big for an infield?
The Pros and Cons of a Larger Infield
There are both pros and cons to having a larger infield. On the plus side, a larger field can give hitters more room to hit the ball, allowing them to hit more home runs. It can also give outfielders more room to make catches, as a ball can reach them in less time. Additionally, there is less risk of players colliding with each other, making the game safer.
On the other hand, a larger infield can make it harder for pitchers to control the strike zone. With a larger field, pitches may miss their intended target and fly further away, resulting in more walks and hit batters. Additionally, it can be harder for infielders to field ground balls and make throws, as they must cover more ground.
The Impact of a Larger Infield on the Game
When teams experiment with a larger infield, there can be a noticeable impact on the game. In general, teams that use a larger infield tend to have higher scoring games. This is due to the fact that hitters have more room to hit the ball, resulting in more home runs and extra base hits. Additionally, teams may give up more walks and hit batters due to pitchers having less control over the strike zone.
However, there can also be a downside to having a larger infield. Infielders may have a harder time fielding ground balls and making throws, resulting in more errors. Additionally, a larger infield can limit the amount of defensive shifts teams can employ, as there is less room to move infielders around.
Conclusion
Ultimately, it is up to each team to decide whether or not 11.75 inches is too big for an infield. A larger infield can have both pros and cons, so teams must weigh the pros and cons carefully before making a decision. While a larger infield may result in more offense, it can also negatively affect the defense and limit the amount of defensive shifts teams can employ.