"Long ball or Small ball"?....

The GREAT debate begins...


Hello again all, and welcome to yet another interesting 'blog title". Ok so now that the welcome is over with let us begin the GREATEST baseball debate, in baseball debates.

Now I know some people enjoy the Long ball and others enjoy the small ball, but let us talk baseball not just any baseball but the long and small ball of the game.

So which is better? Long or small? Why is it better? For who is it better? All questions will be answered but first think about all the questions.

Lets start with the 1st question. Which is better, long or small ball? Well to answer that question lets take a walk down memory lane.

In the 60's and 70's during the "Big Red Machine" era the Reds had a player that was the BEST at whatever position he played. Whether or not he was catching or playing in the Outfield. He was the GREATEST. Now he was a catcher by trade but could play any position given to him, and he played it with heart, soul and passion for the game. Who is the player I speak of well none other than Johnny Lee Bench. (Pictured in the right)

Now why did I bring up Johnny Bench or Hands to his teammates? Because in my opinion this is when the GREAT debate first became a debate. Now I know that might seem silly but think about it. Johnny was an AMAZING player with a GOD given talent. He played the game he loved with all he had.

Now that brings up the 1st question again. Which is better long or small ball?; and here is my answer. Neither really is better or worse, because they both have a MAJOR part of the game. Johnny was and is in my opinion the player that started not only this debate but so many others. Could he really gun out EVERY player that ran against him? Answer you bet your baseball loving bum he could! Why? Because of his GOD given talent.

Now for question number 2 Why is it (either long or small ball) better? Ok now this 1 question really got me. Why is it better? Here is my answer. Both are elements that make a good game a good game right? Yes, but why? Now picture this your team (whoever it may be) is down 5 runs in the bottom half of the 7th to the team you HATE the most, The best pitcher for your rival is on the mound and your teams best hitter comes to bat. There are 2 on and 1 out. Your batter has a 3-0 count, he is either given the chance to walk or swing away. 1st strike comes and it is a Fastball right down the middle of the plate. He swings he misses, oh no! What is your team going to do now? Well your teams manager calls for him to swing again, this time it is a foul ball, OH CRAP your teams best hitter has a count of 3-2 now, he either has the option of walking or he strikes out. Now hang on a min. His best pitch to hit is coming and HOLY COW he goes deep! Your team is now only 2 runs away from tying up the game. Next 2 batters pop out and strike out, but you have yourself a ballgame.

Now the bottom of the 8th is where you are starting to get nervous, you are shaking your head, biting your nails and TRYING to work a rally cap. But you know that the bottom half of your lineup is coming up and these guys are not that great, but hang on your 7th hitter just got a walk on 4 straight pitches, your 8th hitter got a single and now your pitcher is coming to bat? What the hey? Your pitcher who has struggled not only on the mound all day because he has had to stay out there (due to the fact that your bullpen was completely used in the extra inning game the night before) but he has struggled at the plate all day to going 0-4 with a sac. he is coming to bat, but wait he is squared away in his stance, does he really think that he is...OH WOW! HE JUST HIT A DOUBLE OFF THE 3RD BASE BAG? Now what is your score HOLY COW THE GAME IS TIED? The next guy brings your pitcher home with a double. Your team takes the lead, and ends up winning the game.

Now what is my point? Both the long ball and small ball are VERY important factors in the game. Neither one has a "more important" place in the game, thus neither should be a debate! Now for my final question.

For who is it better? Now this question also gave me a difficult time, but this is the BEST answer I could come up with. It is ONLY better for the fan. I know that may seem like a lame or stupid answer, but think about it.

We the fans are the one that make it better, we are the very people that "debate" whether one is better then the other. Players don't debate, they just play the game. That is their job to play the game. Whether it is a game that has "long ball" or a game that has "small ball" they play the game. Now that, that question or "debate" is over, lets try solving a bigger baseball question! So until next time. Peace. Love. Baseball!