Years ago most softball games were considered "small ball" games with a lot of bunts, singles, steals, and the occasional home run. Now it seems the game has evolved into "long ball" where you wait for someone to knock one out and hope you had someone on base. Should the fences be moved back some to try to get a balance of offense back in the game?
Great observation, and question. I'm a big fan of Gator Softball and, to a lesser degree, the college game in general. I used to work with a guy who had a daughter that played softball in high school. He would occasionally get a little carried away and say what incredible athletes they were. To reel him in a bit, I'd remind him that college softball fields were typically the same dimensions as the fields my 12 year old son played baseball on. Fast forward to the current college softball power hitters. They are routinely 5'-8" or taller, and to be kind, not built like Falby. Notice how many power hitting DP's you see with full leg braces, likely torn ACL's. Which you'll never see in college baseball. But, to your question. Back how far? Five feet would allow for your tweak to the current game. But, leave room for the no doubter HR's.
The players have gotten bigger and stronger. It seems they are just hitting more home runs although I haven't looked at the data to see if it supports that opinion.
Most stadiums wouldnt allow moving back. giant scoreboards, lack of room etc... But.. you can go up..20-30 ft walls?? Ive always thought an extra 3-5 feet in basepaths would make for a better game. More DPs, no beating out routine grounders to deep Ss, no 90% steal rates, etc
Changing the bats or balls or both would be a much easier “fix” for a problem I do not believe exists.
Yeah Im not sure its a problem, more cyclical. Pitching not near as good overall as 5+ years ago.. Very few dominant aces now. If that trend continues, then maybe adjust something.
Reminds me of my son's comments re college softball . " It's like watching adults play on a little league field.". Not wrong but that's the game. Clearly the hitters have become more dominant. Not that many Ks and low scoring games anymore. I would be more of an advocate for widening the strike zone or at least calling the zone as it s/b.
Maybe not that high, but this idea would be pretty easy to impliment. Interesting plan. That's baseball. In softball we like our speedsters, first/third strategy plays, the catcher pickoff throws -- having base runners make the game more interesting.
The bats are way hotter now as opposed to 5 years ago. My daughter is in 14u and you never heard of many home runs in 10-12u. It’s a common occurrence now.
This kind of reminds me of the discussions made from time to time about raising the basketball rim from 10 to 11 feet. Not sure the game becomes an elitist one and not an everyone game. And yes, the pitchers who are incredible are pretty much elitist players. In fact, maybe moving the mound back by say 5 feet would help a bit. Just a spitball. Nothing more.