Hurlers had to throw into a batter's wheelhouse if he was going to draw a strike. Pitchers, with little room for mistake, took too much time thinking about their deliveries, and hitters, waiting for the right moment, refused to swing the bat. Now hopefully batters will swing the bat instead of stand around waiting for the three-run home run. Make no mistake about it. Home runs put people in the seats.
Fans like to see the long ball.
Since the birth of baseball, home runs have held a special place. Without the home run, Babe Ruth would have been just another outfielder. The balance between hitters and pitchers has swung back and forth all through baseball's history. During the Depression, the majors juiced up the ball, hoping home runs would draw fans to the stands despite the nation's financial crisis. But finding that right combination has proved elusive.