View Full Version : 1884 Home Runs
RedSoxVT92
03-18-2006, 07:08 PM
In 1884 there seemed to be alot of home runs, more than normal for that time. There were 4 players with 20+ homers. Ned Williamson (http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=willine01) had 27 homers that year, His career high up until then was 3. Was there some type of rule change that year that allowed this many home runs or was it just a strange break out of round trippers?
Brian McKenna
03-18-2006, 09:48 PM
25 of williamson's (http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=willine01) 27 home runs were at home - it was only 180 feet to the left field wall at lake front park ii in 1884 and 196 to right - lake front was around 2 years - in 1883 a ball hit over the short left field porch was a double but it was a homer in 1884
Baseball Guru
03-20-2006, 03:02 PM
Ned (http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=willine01) had 3 HR's in 1 game in 1884:)
Richmond Hill Phoenix
06-21-2006, 10:27 AM
Great article on the topic...
http://www.baseballhalloffame.org/exhibits/online_exhibits/ss_home_run/williamson.htm
RedSoxVT92
07-14-2006, 07:21 PM
I found a drawing of Lake Front II and it looks very uneven.
http://www.thedeadballera.com/Stadiums/StadiumsLakefrontPark2_photo1.jpg
flash143817
07-14-2006, 09:35 PM
25 of williamson's (http://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/player.php?p=willine01) 27 home runs were at home - it was only 180 feet to the left field wall at lake front park ii in 1884 and 196 to right - lake front was around 2 years - in 1883 a ball hit over the short left field porch was a double but it was a homer in 1884
My Little League park when I was 12 was 200 ft all around. I can only imagine MLB players taking aim from 180 ft.
Brian McKenna
07-15-2006, 09:22 AM
My Little League park when I was 12 was 200 ft all around. I can only imagine MLB players taking aim from 180 ft.
You're right but it was a different time in baseball history. The ball was softer and didn't fly like it does today. The home run was not as valued as it is today. Pitchers were throwing from around 50 feet. Different time, different era, a little different game.
The ball itself makes a huge difference. I've played softball with a wide variety of balls and I can tell you it makes a big difference, virtually day and night what you power capabilities are.
TonyK
07-17-2006, 12:32 AM
I found a drawing of Lake Front II and it looks very uneven.
http://www.thedeadballera.com/Stadiums/StadiumsLakefrontPark2_photo1.jpg
If this drawing is accurate then I imagine the breeze off of the lake might have helped some of Ned Williamson's hits to LF.
I found a drawing of Lake Front II and it looks very uneven.
http://www.thedeadballera.com/Stadiums/StadiumsLakefrontPark2_photo1.jpg
Man, I think I would have no problems in that park, even with a wiffle-ball.
If this drawing is accurate then I imagine the breeze off of the lake might have helped some of Ned Williamson's hits to LF.
180ft down the Line and you credit a slight breeze helping the ball carry! :laugh
I think it could be the extremely short porch helping his power #'s.
TonyK
07-17-2006, 06:23 PM
180ft down the Line and you credit a slight breeze helping the ball carry! :laugh
I think it could be the extremely short porch helping his power #'s.
The breeze "might have helped" is what I wrote. I live near a Great Lake and the Finger Lakes, and the strong winds coming off them at more than 30 MPH would help a lot of fly balls.
The short distance to the foul poles is obvious even to a Little Leaguer.
bluejaysfan4ever
07-17-2006, 09:28 PM
I found a drawing of Lake Front II and it looks very uneven.
http://www.thedeadballera.com/Stadiums/StadiumsLakefrontPark2_photo1.jpg
How is it possible to hit a ball so far????