The Bloating of Baseball

[mcpapa]

A couple days ago, Mike and Mike were talking about how athletes are getting bigger and bigger. Started off with the Steelers of 1975. Mean Joe Greene was the biggest guy on the team at 275. Most of the linemen were in the 250s. High school lines are bigger now.

 

Then they looked at the Big Red Machine. Nobody that played for the Reds in 1975 - 40 years ago - was listed at 200 pounds or more.

 

Of the 44 players that have been on this year's Reds roster, the number of players listed at 200 pounds or more?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

35

[Sandman]

A couple days ago, Mike and Mike were talking about how athletes are getting bigger and bigger. Started off with the Steelers of 1975. Mean Joe Greene was the biggest guy on the team at 275. Most of the linemen were in the 250s. High school lines are bigger now.

 

Then they looked at the Big Red Machine. Nobody that played for the Reds in 1975 - 40 years ago - was listed at 200 pounds or more.

 

Of the 44 players that have been on this year's Reds roster, the number of players listed at 200 pounds or more?35

 

Good thread. I'll weigh in.

 

Football lines are certainly bigger now, almost massive in the NFL with their size AND athleticism. Certainly bigger people in both height and body mass.

 

Any high school line that averages 275 though, makes me chuckle. Not going to find many high motoring high school athletes cruising around in the 280 range. Much less five on the same high school line. In this case, bigger just meant too much super sizing.

 

On baseball, interesting point on the 75 team. Height also is a factor. A lot of these guys were 6-0 or shorter.

 

On the plus side in baseball: More year round weight training, more attention paid to diet, and supplements that add mass (the legal kind).

 

Other side that may add weight to baseball players: Guaranteed contracts worth a ton (less off-season motivation), Less emphasis on conditioning now and more emphasis on "specialized training". Nobody's asking any baseball players to run "gassers" or 10 first to third's in spring training these days. They need to be strong enough and trained enough to do their jobs.

 

IMO, we see more overuse injuries today because of this, as well as more pulled muscles.

 

But what the heck do I know? I called Cueto fat a few days ago, and somebody said he was fit and fast. Dude can pitch, but he's leaving his shirt on at the pool party.

[NKY Bandit]

Good thread. I'll weigh in.

 

Football lines are certainly bigger now, almost massive in the NFL with their size AND athleticism. Certainly bigger people in both height and body mass.

 

Any high school line that averages 275 though, makes me chuckle. Not going to find many high motoring high school athletes cruising around in the 280 range. Much less five on the same high school line. In this case, bigger just meant too much super sizing.

 

On baseball, interesting point on the 75 team. Height also is a factor. A lot of these guys were 6-0 or shorter.

 

On the plus side in baseball: More year round weight training, more attention paid to diet, and supplements that add mass (the legal kind).

 

Other side that may add weight to baseball players: Guaranteed contracts worth a ton (less off-season motivation), Less emphasis on conditioning now and more emphasis on "specialized training". Nobody's asking any baseball players to run "gassers" or 10 first to third's in spring training these days. They need to be strong enough and trained enough to do their jobs.

 

IMO, we see more overuse injuries today because of this, as well as more pulled muscles.

 

But what the heck do I know? I called Cueto fat a few days ago, and somebody said he was fit and fast. Dude can pitch, but he's leaving his shirt on at the pool party.

 

I see what you did there.

[LOOGY]

Back in the day professional sports was part time. Everyone had job bs in the offseason. Now everyone trains every day of the offseason getting ready. That's why in baseball Spring training could probably be 2 weeks shorter.

 

Also there have been major advancements in training philosophy's and nutrition which really helps as well.

[ggclfan]

Baseball pitchers have grown the most. Most of them are 6'3" at least and many go 220 or more. Especially the relievers...they are big dudes bringing the heat.

[frankdracman23]

Baseball pitchers have grown the most. Most of them are 6'3" at least and many go 220 or more. Especially the relievers...they are big dudes bringing the heat.

 

It is very difficult for short pitchers to be drafted now. The Reds were considered to take a huge gamble when they drafted 5'10" Mike Leake.