WEDNESDAY AM

As I noted yesterday the CWS games take a long time. The second game Tuesday night lasted 3hours 45 minutes. The good team won so there will be a winner take all game 8pm on ESPN tonight.

The CWS college game is slow because they play small ball since the stadium in Omaha is very large with the wall in center being 408 feet. Home runs are rare. Also the aluminum bats that they use have been deadened and are less lively than the wooden bats organized ball uses. Years ago the college bats were too lively and a danger.

The third reason the hits are mostly singles is that the ball is  not as tightly wound as league baseball and the seams are raised; both factors reduce the carry of the ball when hit. This will change next year with the seams  being flush.

This will have to do for a Wednesday blog because of the hour and a doctor's "social" visit in the morning.

If something should happen that merits a blog I will write one.

Addendum 7:35 am; Unlike the baseball we watch, the college game is not built around the play for a big inning or the home run in most college fields. Yes some are bandboxes but most and especially the stadium in Omaha are so deed that the HR is rare. The pitching is very good at least the first time through the lineup and few pitchers go more than 5/6 innings. Good relief is the norm, and most games are low scoring very often won by 1 or 2 runs.

Therefore the sacrifice bunt is an integral part of the  game, and in effect teams  play with one out in the inning. The Suicide squeeze is a common maneuver and has been very frequent in the CWS. The stolen base and hit and run plays are more than in pro basketball. 

Obviously it has its devotees and this couch potato would not watch it without a sentimental interest.