In 2018, the New York Yankees slugged 267 home runs to break the major league record set by the 1997 Seattle Mariners. A record that was once thought never to be broken again, got surpassed by FOUR different teams in 2019. A giant home run spike brought questions by fans across the world. Why is my favorite team hitting home runs at almost double the rate? 

The “Juiced Baseball Theory” is that Commissioner Rob Manfred, along with the front office and a collaboration with Rawlings (the company who makes the baseballs), purposefully deflated the seams to decrease breaking ball spin (curveballs, sliders, etc.) and increase the distance it can travel. Why? Home runs are “exciting,” said the Commissioner in an interview with ESPN. 

Current high school baseball coaches, Mr. Smith and Mr. Moran, commented on the matter. “The balls are juiced. The seams are smaller on the ball,” said Mr. Moran, who just recently visited Yankee Stadium for game one of the American League Division Series where he saw three home runs. 

“They should go back to the 2018 baseballs at least,” Moran continued. This problem raises questions for the MLB front office. Some fans have their own plans in mind to fix this dilemma. “I’d make it as fair as possible for pitchers and hitters,” said Mr. Moran.  

Pitchers have not stayed quiet. Mr. Smith, a former pitcher himself, said it would make him feel, “very unhappy. Because of the home runs, pitchers are less successful. It changes them.” 

On paper, the thought of purposefully cheating is blasphemy. “Fans like home runs. The changes that are occurring are changes that people like. It’s for entertainment,” Smith replied. 

Blake Treinen was arguably the best reliever in 2018, with an MLB leading 0.79 earned run average (ERA). But after the baseball change, his ERA increased by over four runs (4.45). Blake was interviewed on his struggles with the San Francisco Chronicle and did not have a conclusive answer. “I feel like I’m chasing down a rabbit hole trying to figure out why it’s different.” Treinen said. “Anybody who watches the games know the ball has changed.” 

After the 2019 Major League Baseball season concludes, Rob Manfred is planning on having a professional investigation on this issue. He made it clear that this was not purposeful and it will be different next year. The only thing the fans, players, and coaches can look at to see if things have changed is the home run counter. Pitchers are certainly looking forward to it.