Time to move the fences or build taller ones....

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marriard

Not lost - just no idea where I am
Oct 2, 2011
4,312
113
Florida
With current bats, current ball and current rules, it is clear a 200' fence is no way deep enough anymore.

I understand that many fields have restrictions in extending the fences deeper (permanent stands, parking lots, etc) in which case raising fence height significantly (green monster @ UCLA anyone?)

Three things caught my eye this weekend...

1) College hitters clearing the fence... and the stands... and the building behind the field...
2) Half swing, slappers getting a ball out
3) My 12 yr old DD who is not exactly a large girl clearing a 200' fence pretty easily using a much lighter version of the bats they use in college I love my DD but if you are 100lbs and swinging a 31/21 bat you shouldn't be regularly threatening the fence.

I think a bigger outfield or more doubles/triples adds to the game - and that power hitters should be the ones that can regularly clear a fence (and a solid hitter should have to really square one up to get it out).
 
Last edited:
Nov 6, 2013
771
16
Baja, AZ
That would be cool to see fences out 200 to 220 feet, and 10 feet high, or even cooler, 15 feet high all around. That would also change the way outfielders track the deep ones...some of the ones that don't clear will bounce hard back into mid outfield, so the two outfielders need to track the ball well to minimize the number of bases taken. Very cool.
 
Nov 26, 2010
4,784
113
Michigan
With current bats, current ball and current rules, it is clear a 200' fence is no way deep enough anymore.

I understand that many fields have restrictions in extending the fences deeper (permanent stands, parking lots, etc) in which case raising fence height significantly (green monster @ UCLA anyone?)

Three things caught my eye this weekend...

1) College hitters clearing the fence... and the stands... and the building behind the field...
2) Half swing, slappers getting a ball out
3) My 12 yr old DD who is not exactly a large girl clearing a 200' fence pretty easily using a much lighter version of the bats they use in college I love my DD but if you are 100lbs and swinging a 31/21 bat you shouldn't be regularly threatening the fence.

I think a bigger outfield or more doubles/triples adds to the game - and that power hitters should be the ones that can regularly clear a fence (and a solid hitter should have to really square one up to get it out).

If you want to tell us your Dd is cranking out hrs just say so.
 

coachjwb

Love this game!
Apr 16, 2014
127
18
Northeast Ohio
Agree 100% marriard ... I have seen 10-U's hitting them out as well. A larger outfield and high fence could make for an even more interesting game in my opinion.
 
Jan 23, 2014
248
0
I witnessed a girl not on our team homer twice in 10B last year. She wasn't one of the 5'7 11 year olds either. Probably about 5'2 or so, with a bit more of a power build than most girls. I just attended my first college game last week, 4 hrs hit, and 1 ball hit on the wrong side of the foul pole that probably would have cleared the fence in Kansas City. Something needs to Change, for sure.
 
Dec 20, 2012
1,085
0
Not practical to move fences, at least at the college level. You get to places like UCLA where space is limited or there are permanent bleachers in the outfield the costs would be outrageous. Bring the COR down on the ball would be the easiest fix.
 

marriard

Not lost - just no idea where I am
Oct 2, 2011
4,312
113
Florida
Not practical to move fences, at least at the college level. You get to places like UCLA where space is limited or there are permanent bleachers in the outfield the costs would be outrageous. Bring the COR down on the ball would be the easiest fix.

Yes, making 'sponge' balls would have a similar effect, however I don't want to see that... I LIKE to see the huge 240'+ bombs. The bat manufacturers want to see them as well I would suspect.

Which is why I suggested higher fences when moving fences back is not an option. While not free, it would hopefully be economically viable or at least easier to swallow.
 
May 13, 2012
599
18
Quite the bats some. I don't want them those swim noodles but I agree they are to many HRs. I hope it don't happen but something will change when one of the elite pitchers receives a serious injury.
 

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