In this episode of DiamondCast, we dive into the hotly debated topic of Automated Ball-Strike Systems (ABS) in Major League Baseball. With ABS set for expanded testing during the 2025 spring training season, we explore the timeline, the technological advancements, and the potential impact on America’s pastime. From its origins in the Atlantic League to its trials in Triple-A and the refinement of the challenge system, we cover everything fans, players, and coaches need to know about this groundbreaking shift.

Key Topics Discussed:

1. Origins of ABS:
   • How the Atlantic League became the testing ground for automated strike zones in 2019.
   • The gradual adoption across minor league levels, culminating in Triple-A games in 2023-2024.
2. Spring Training 2025 Testing:
   • Details of the expanded trials in Florida and Arizona.
   • How teams will experience both the full ABS system and the challenge system.
3. Technological Refinements:
   • Enhanced calibration for batters of all sizes.
   • Faster feedback to umpires and players to maintain game flow.
   • Optimized challenge mechanics for a smoother experience.
4. Regular Season Expectations:
   • Why ABS might not be implemented until 2026.
   • How collective bargaining and player feedback shape the future of ABS.
5. Impact on the Game:
   • Will ABS improve fairness and consistency?
   • How will it affect the rhythm of the game and the role of umpires?

Listener Takeaways:

• ABS aims to eliminate controversy over balls and strikes, but its success depends on balancing technology with tradition.
• The spring training trials will be crucial in determining if MLB is ready for a full-scale ABS rollout.

Call to Action:
What do you think about MLB’s push for automated strike zones? Share your thoughts with us on social media using #DiamondCastABS. Don’t forget to subscribe to DiamondCast for the latest insights into baseball’s evolving landscape.

Episode Links:

• MLB’s Official ABS Overview
• History of ABS in Minor League Baseball
• Behind the Scenes: How ABS Technology Works

Follow Us:

• Twitter: @BasebalClassics
• Website: BaseballClassics.com/DiamondCast

Tune in to this episode and join the discussion about the future of baseball officiating!

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In this episode, we dive deep into the alarming rise in season-ending injuries among MLB pitchers over the decades and explore the solutions that could transform the game. From UCL tears to rotator cuff injuries, the data shows a staggering increase in disabled list stints from the 1970s to today. What’s causing this epidemic, and how can it be reversed? We’ll cover improper pitching mechanics, modern training methods, and the impact of velocity-driven strategies. Featuring insights from biomechanics research and industry experts, this episode offers a roadmap for improving pitcher health and performance.

Key Topics Discussed:
- Historical Trends: A look at how the rate of season-ending injuries has grown from the 1970s to the present day.
- The Mechanics Behind the Injuries: Identifying warning signs in pitching delivery, including forearm flyouts, inconsistent release points, and improper follow-throughs.
- The Role of Spin-to-Velocity Ratios (SVR): How the push for higher velocities has increased injury risks.
- Training Innovations: The rise of weighted ball programs, strength training, and biomechanical assessments in injury prevention.
- Lessons from the Greats: Why legendary pitchers like Nolan Ryan and Randy Johnson avoided major injuries and how modern pitchers can replicate their success.
- Future Solutions: From advanced motion capture systems to mental conditioning, we discuss the tools MLB teams are using to protect their stars.

Key Takeaways for Listeners:
- Learn how poor pitching mechanics can lead to devastating injuries.
- Discover the six key indicators of injury risk in a pitcher's delivery.
- Understand the importance of integrating nutrition, mental training, and biomechanics into a pitcher’s regimen.

Featured Experts and Research:
- Dr. Glenn Fleisig, renowned biomechanist, on the science of pitching injuries.
- Case studies from MLB organizations utilizing cutting-edge injury prevention technology.

Call to Action:
Have thoughts on this topic? Share your opinions and experiences with us! Don’t forget to subscribe to our podcast for more deep dives into the world of baseball.

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Step up to the plate as we tackle some of baseball's most intriguing myths in BUSTED: MLB Myths. From Babe Ruth’s legendary called shot in the 1932 World Series to the science behind corked bats and the impact of doctored baseballs, we explore the tales that have fascinated fans for generations. Are these stories fact or fiction?

In this episode, we dive deep into:

• MYTH #1: Did Babe Ruth really call his home run shot?
• MYTH #2: Do corked bats send baseballs flying farther?
• MYTH #3: Can slippery, doctored balls truly break more?

Listen in as we unravel the truth behind these iconic moments in baseball history. You'll be surprised to find out which myths stand up to scrutiny and which crumble under the weight of facts. By the end, you'll have a clearer picture of the science, history, and folklore that make America's pastime so legendary.

Hit play, and see how these myths get busted once and for all!

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Every MLB fan should visit baseballclassics.com/diamondview to experience real-time insights, exclusive stats, and interactive tools that bring the excitement of the game to life like never before!

In this compelling episode, we delve deep into the case for Dick Allen’s long-overdue induction into the Baseball Hall of Fame. A seven-time All-Star, 1964 Rookie of the Year, and 1972 American League MVP, Allen wasn’t just a great player; he was one of the most dominant hitters of his era. His .292 career batting average, 351 home runs, and an eye-popping 156 OPS+—placing him ahead of legendary Hall of Famers like Willie Stargell and Harmon Killebrew—underscore his offensive brilliance during one of baseball’s most challenging periods for hitters.

We’ll explore how Allen thrived in the pitcher-dominated era of the 1960s and 70s, often referred to as the “Second Deadball Era,” where raised mounds, expansive strike zones, and pitcher-friendly ballparks stifled offense. Yet, Allen stood out as a powerhouse, twice leading the league in home runs, four times in OPS, and dominating during his MVP season in 1972, where his .420 OBP and 1.023 OPS were unrivaled.

But Allen’s story goes beyond the numbers. This episode examines his journey through the racial tensions of his time, enduring hostility from fans and even teammates while maintaining his composure and performing at an elite level. His story is one of resilience and trailblazing, setting the stage for greater inclusivity in baseball.

We’ll compare Allen’s performance to Hall of Famers like Ron Santo and Orlando Cepeda, demonstrating how his offensive contributions surpassed many who have already been enshrined in Cooperstown. We’ll also highlight the biases of his era, from racial discrimination to the challenges he faced playing in pitcher-friendly parks like Connie Mack Stadium. Despite these obstacles, Allen’s impact on the game was profound.

Listeners will come away with a deeper appreciation for Dick Allen’s contributions to baseball and a clearer understanding of why he belongs in the Hall of Fame. It’s not just about his stats—it’s about his influence, his perseverance, and the lasting legacy he left on the game. Tune in to hear why Dick Allen deserves to stand among the immortals of baseball history.

Greatest Pitchers by Decade – Baseball Classics DiamondCast

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Join us as we take a fascinating journey through Major League Baseball history, spotlighting the most dominant pitchers of each decade from 1901 through 2019. This Baseball Classics podcast dives into the legends who redefined pitching, including iconic names like Christy Mathewson, Walter Johnson, Sandy Koufax, Greg Maddux, and Clayton Kershaw.

In this episode, we uncover:

• The evolution of pitching dominance and criteria for "Best Pitcher of the Decade."
• Key stats that defined these players' excellence, including wins, ERA, strikeouts, and shutouts.
• Legendary moments, from Walter Johnson’s overpowering fastball to Sandy Koufax’s masterful curveball.
• Discover which pitchers were the most dominant across all of these MLB eras.
• Honorable mentions for each decade, showcasing the depth of talent across MLB history.
• Find out what was the one thing they all had in common to master each decade!

If you're a baseball history enthusiast or curious about the art of pitching, this episode is packed with insights and stories that celebrate the greatness of the mound masters who shaped the game. Get ready to relive the golden eras of baseball through the eyes of its greatest pitchers!

Get the article in this episode inside Baseball Classics Magazine November 2024 Issue Free at www.BaseballClassics.com/Magazine

In this episode, we dive into the fascinating evolution of Major League Baseball’s starting pitchers. Once celebrated as the iron men of the game, pitchers like Christy Mathewson and Nolan Ryan routinely pitched complete games, showing endurance and grit. Today, however, starting pitchers are often pulled after just four or five innings. What caused this dramatic shift?

Key Topics Covered:

• Historical Role of Starting Pitchers:

  • Early legends like Christy Mathewson and Nolan Ryan set records with incredible inning counts, often pitching complete games.
  • MLB managers once considered it a badge of honor for starters to pitch deep into games.

• Top 10 Reasons for the Decline:

  • From the rise of analytics and pitch limits to injury prevention and specialized bullpen roles, we break down the primary factors contributing to the shift.

• When Did It Begin?

  • The 1990s and early 2000s saw analytics-driven strategies emerge, highlighted by Billy Beane’s “Moneyball” revolution, emphasizing the bullpen's role and limiting pitchers’ third-time-through-lineup exposure.

• Injury Concerns:

  • Why do modern pitchers face more arm injuries despite throwing fewer innings? Is the emphasis on velocity and year-round training to blame?

• Data Trends:

  • The average innings per start has dropped significantly over the decades, with complete games becoming nearly extinct in today’s MLB.

• Impact on Strategy:

  • Modern managers like Kevin Cash prioritize matchups and bullpen usage, as seen in Blake Snell’s controversial early exit during the 2020 World Series.

• Economic and Cultural Shifts:

  • The decline of starting pitchers may affect salaries, with bullpen aces gaining more prominence.

• Future of Workhorse Pitchers:

  • Are we witnessing the permanent decline of baseball’s starting pitching icons, or could the pendulum swing back in the future?

Takeaway Message:
The game of baseball is always evolving, and the decline of the starting pitcher reflects changes driven by data, health concerns, and strategic thinking. While it’s bittersweet to see fewer workhorse performances, this shift highlights the sport’s ongoing balance between tradition and innovation.

Call to Action:
Tune in to explore the full history, data, and strategy behind this seismic shift in baseball, and let us know your thoughts on whether the decline of starting pitchers is a loss or a necessary evolution.

The Detroit Tigers joined the American League when it began in 1901 and ever since have been one of the most storied franchises in MLB history. Ty Cobb was the initial face of the Tigers when he joined in 1905 and many other greats since such as Greenberg, Kaline, Newhouse, and their last 30-game winner Denny McLain. Find out who else made the list and why as well as other who just missed.

What really happened? Up 9 1/2 games over the Mets on August 19th, but collapsed finishing 8 games out. Tune in to find out! www.BaseballClassicsBaseballGame.com