MLB will implement several rule changes for the 2023 season and beyond.
One of the least controversial of the bunch has been the inception of bigger bases.
In comparison to forcing the pitchers to act quickly and under a clock to start their windup and the elimination of the shift, using bigger bases doesn’t sound like a big deal.
It will impact the game somewhat, though.
Players may attempt more steals since they, theoretically, will enjoy a better chance of being successful.
The most important takeaway, however, is that the increased size has the potential of decreasing freak baserunning injuries in rundowns and close plays at full speed.
We are sure that players’ ankles and legs will thank the league.
The size of the bases will be increased from 15 inches square to 18.
It’s a sizable increase, and Boston Red Sox manager Alex Cora has been on the record saying they look like pizza boxes.
A famous parody account on Twitter, Mark Gooden, went a bit further and posted a hilarious photo.
Here is a side by side comparison of MLB’s larger bases. The left is the old base, for comparison. The larger one is on the right. pic.twitter.com/8oZKQiTCDi
—Mark Gooden (@TooGooden17) February 14, 2023
The best part is when he says “the larger one is on the right.”
Well, yeah…thanks for the tip, friend!
Whoever is not familiar with the account may think the picture is accurate, and the replies section of the tweet certainly reflected that.
It’s just a reflection of how big the new bases are, but they are not that big.
In any case, it will certainly take an adjustment period for players and fans to get used to the new bases.
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