Era’s of baseball
There’s even debating over the era’s in baseball. Different people believe different things. Some argue the number, the years they range and even the names.
For this sites sake we believe in 8. We’re not going to write all the results or give a list of players just mearly a deffinition of what the era was.
The Early Years (1845-1900) - The evolution of the game. Rules, structures and leagues are formed. Starting pitchers are completing 90% of their starts.
The Dead-Ball Era (1901-1919) - Called the dead-ball era due to the low lack of runs. On the offensive side speedy players and slap hitters dominated are successful. The National and American Leagues are formed.
The Live-Ball Era (1920-1941) - Some consider it the “Between the War” years. A cork-and-rubber center ball began being used replacing the ruber cored ball. Pitchers are no longer allowed to alter the ball and scoring flourishes. Minor league farm teams are formed, night games begin to occur as does radio. In addition the Negro Leagues were created in 1920. Starting pitchers are completing 47% of their starts.
The War Years (1942-1945) - During the period of Wold War II. Many stars of the game sacrificed chunks of their careers for their country. Many consider the post war years to be “Modern Baseball”.
Transition/Intergration (1946-1960) - African-Americans, Asians and Latins began playing in the majors. The Negro Leagues die. The Dodgers and Giants move to the West Coast pushing baseball beyond the east and midwest. Jets replace trains as transportation and television broadcasts become common. Starting pitchers are completing 37% of their starts.
Expansion Era (1961-1976) - An enlarged strike zone, expansion from 16 to eventually 24 teams cause a reduction in offensive output. The Amateur draft is implemented in 1965 based on reverse order of record.
In 1969 the two leauges split into two divisions (East and West) creating a season ending League Championship Series. The mound is again lowered in 1969 due to decreased offence. Starting pitchers are completing 26% of their starts.
Free Agent Era (1976-1994) - Some argue that we are still in this era. Considering that most eras last 15-20 years that would make this nearly two eras.
Players earn the right to free agency after their sixth major league season resulting in increased player movement and salaries that climb. Labor conflicts occur resulting in strikes in 1981 and 1994, resulting in no World Series in 1994.
Artificial turf arrives creating an emphasis on scoring via dobles, triples and stolen bases rather then on homeruns. (obvious reason this era is not still of today)
All this results in fourteen different teams winning the World Series. Starting pitchers complete 15% of their games.
Long Ball/Steroid Era (1995-Current) - Homeruns and strikeouts increase. New ballparks are created based on retro themes that favor hitters.
This results in few complete games and an increase on the amount of relievers used.
The leagues split into three divisions. (East, Central, West) Divisional winners and a Wild Card team will also make the playoffs. The Divisional round is added to the playoffs. In 1997 inter-league play is established in the regular season.
Games are played out side of the United States and Canada for the first time.
