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29 replies

Is baseball violent?

FungoFungoHighly Regarded and Beloved Old Timer
Baseball is NOT a violent sport! At least I don't think it is. It has often been called a gentleman’s sport. If that is true, why do we have a "slaughter rule" in baseball? Is it good to "murder" your opponents? Are you proud when your son tells you they "killed" the other team? Why do they say it that way? I know I'm guilty.
We know it's just a figure of speech... or... do athletes feel so strongly about winning that these are the words that best describe their feelings? Years ago I heard a NFL linebacker (maybe Dick Butkus or Lawrence Taylor) describe how it wouldn't bother him in the least to see a quarterback's head removed from his body and roll down the field if it was done with a clean hit. Should we just "outscore" our opponents and leave it at that? If you feel that way you will probably be “killed” by a good team. Wink
I may go duck hunting today but I promise to be more sensitive. When Mrs. Fungo asks me how I did ..... I may say ..... Fungo 6 - Ducks 0 Big Grin
Fungo
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ClevelandDadClevelandDadHSBBWeb Administrator
I have read that Ty Cobb invented the violent nature of the sport. In the old days before helmets, Ray Chapman was killed when he was beaned by a pitch. Beanings still occur to this day - some accidental for sure, some not.

Who can forget the violent collision of Pete Rose into Ray Fosse in the All-Star game. How about all the times someone cuts out the legs of a shortstop or 2nd baseman at second during a double play. Similarly, shortstops are taught to throw at the runners heads to force them to the ground in a double play situation. How often do guys slide spikes up or try and bull over the catcher like Ray Fosse. How often do we see pitchers like Billy Wagner or Mike Mussina get hit with the batted ball. Herb Score, Tony Conigliaro, and Kirby Puckett essentially had their careers ended by being hit by the ball. Bench clearing brawls are common place. Never forget Nolan Ryan taking Robin Ventura to school. Is baseball a violent sport you ask? You bet.
Last edited by ClevelandDad
TRhitTRhit10,000+ posts
The less than subtle nuances of the game have always been there although I will admit the DH has made pitchers in the AL feel more secure.

Backing a batter off the plate, some call it throwing at the batter. has always been a weapon( see Bob Gibson, Don Drysdale, Sal Maglie et al)for the pitcher but alas today if you come inside you may get a umpires warning.

In my mind todays game is "softer" than it was in the 50's and 60's. I recall watching the Brooklyn Dodgers Carl Furillo going into the NY Giants dugout after Giant Mgr Leo Durocher , thoring a punch, missing and breaking his hand.

Most of you won't remember Eddie Stanky who would fight with anyone and knew how to nbreak up plays at second.

Todays came is far from violent compared to back then but then violence is a broad term.
B Bear1,000+ posts
Baseball is
- Pastoral, 19th century
- Played on a diamond, in a park
- A cap is worn
- 7th inning stretch
- Don't know when it's going to end
- Who's up?
- Error's are made
- Fans are relatively pleasant
- Object is to go home

Football is
- Technological, 20th
- Played on a grid iron, a Stadium.
War Memorial Stadium
- A Helmet is worn
- 2 minute warning
- Rigidly timed, even sudden death
- Based on downs
- Penalties are issued
- Fans may take the life of a human being
- Object is to - Assault the defense

(c/o George Carlin)

Regards
O Orlando1,000+ posts
Violent is a relative term --- leaving it in the realm of sports, it's certainly much less violent than football, rugby, or hurling; more violent than...golf.

You have to reference a lot of seasons to come up with many examples of actual violence.

International ball tends to be more violent than Anerican ball; different sporting components and the added national history incentives. It will be interesting to see if any of that translates into the WBC.
justbaseballjustbaseball10,000+ posts
I remember hearing an interview with a former MLB and current HOFer who questioned all of this charging the mound on high-and-tight pitches. He thought today's batters had become candy-a$$es bothered because they didn't understand the game...that a pitcher HAD to throw inside at times for various reasons.

He said as a hitter, he knew when it was coming from Gibson and he respected why it had to be done.

I don't know if thats violent or not...but its a part of the game I enjoy...the game within the game.
BumBum1,000+ posts
Is baseball violent? Ok, here's a situation encountered just tonight.

My son, a 15yo LHP is at a local "high-school camp" for kids getting ready for the season..and to be "seen" by the college coach. After warming up, my son's getting faster and faster.. but the kid he's throwing to, a 16yo, is having trouble catching a baseball. Obviously inexperienced.

Afterwards, my kid asks me if he should have let up a bit. I told him "now way". It is not his responsibility to catch the ball. He is a ballplayer, and his job is to throw the ball as hard as possible. He's getting ready for his season.

How do you all feel about this situation?

What are parents thinking putting an inexperienced kid in a camp with flame-throwers?
Should coaches yank such kids and tell the parents the facts of life?
ClevelandDadClevelandDadHSBBWeb Administrator
LOL on the Zimmmer anecdote - I thought Pedro looked foolish.

Another good one was Arod versus Jason Veriteck. One from a few years back Mark Whiten teed off on Black Jack McDowell and with one punch it was like a tree falling in the woods. Anybody remember Burt Campaneris throwing the bat either in the playoffs or WS? What prompted that reaction? The pitcher almost sawed-off his feet.
BumBum1,000+ posts
Or the antithesis of violence..

There was a Seattle Mariners New York Yankees game some years back. The Mariners and Yankees were pounding on each other. Teeth flying.

The camera panned over to Alex Rodriguez and Derek Jeter. Alex had a big smile while he was chatting with Derek. I mean, I love Alex, but dude..
C Chris_F10+ posts
I just read Bums response and i totally disagree. I am 13 and i know that baseball is a TEAM sport. Your TEAM is only as good as its worst player. What are you going to say when your son throws hard but he looks unaccurate since the catcher cant catch the ball. Would you rather have him with a winning or losing record. Just think about it.
rz1rz15,000+ posts
Chris,

For a 13 years old your thoughts, phrases, and demeanor seem older than your years. Are you sure you're looking at the right birth certificate? Sorry if I'm wrong about this and you are 13. In any case I WILL NOT meet you at the swing set after school to discuss this.

boxing
Last edited by rz1
BumBum1,000+ posts
Chris_F

I appreciate what you're saying, and you're right. It is a team sport. However, I'm talking about a 16-year old who can't catch (not a catcher). Believe me, I've coached, and I would never give up on a 13-year old! My own son was told his arm was weak at 13. But 16? I don't know. It just seems to me that at 16 if you can't catch a baseball you're in the wrong sport..it's too dangerous.

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