A lot of studies have been done to determine which
factors are better or worse for hitters and pitchers. The most
significant factors are temperature, altitude, and ballpark dimensions.
(Some argue humidity as well, but the Baseball Scoreboard 1993
found no such evidence.)
Almost all Spring Training games are played in either Florida or
Arizona. Setting aside a time-consuming look at their ballparks, let's
talk about what we quickly know about temperature and altitude. Hot
temperatures mean hot offenses, but both states have warm climates in
March. Altitude is where they differ significantly. Florida coastal
cities are barely above sea level. Even the inland cities are just a few
hundred feet in altitude. Arizona sits in the Rocky Mountains. The
Phoenix area is about 1,100 feet above sea level (9 teams) and the
Tucson area is about 2,500 feet (3 teams).
Did elevation make a difference in this year’s Spring Training
scoring?
| 12.5 |
Cactus League runs per game
|
| 9.9 |
Grapefruit League runs per game |
That is huge. How about homers?
| 2.15 |
Cactus League home runs per game
|
| 1.60 |
Grapefruit League home runs per
game |
Clearly, the elevated terrains of the Rocky Mountains also elevate
baseball's offense.
What does it mean? Those low ERAs in Florida may be a bit suspect, as
well as those high batting averages in Arizona.
