CAMERAS LOWERED THE STRIKE ZONE. Derek Thompson points out that cameras not only led to more strikes but also lowered the strike zones. He writes: “Pitches between 18 and 30 inches above the plate, which are technically in the strike zone, had been called balls for years. But the presence of cameras encouraged umpires to lower the strike zone.” Thompson cites an analysis by Brad Mills of the University of Florida and an analysis by Jon Roegele in the Hardball Times. Says Thompson: “Since 2008, the strike zone has grown by about 30 square inches around a hitter’s knees. That is the equivalent of about five full baseballs placed side-by-side, according to Mills’ research.”
As Ted Williams, one of the five greatest hitters of all time, pointed out, low pitches are the hardest pitches to hit.