Cricket versus Baseball

[sweep_shot]

Baseball is a great sport, not sure how one can argue otherwise as the same arguments can be made against cricket.. if you watch the MLB playoffs you’ll see how entertaining and strategic the game can be.

Cricket is much cooler.

Baseball is boring.

 

[MenInG]

The Tampa Bay Rays reached the World Series for only the second time with a 4-2 game-seven win over the Houston Astros.

It was relief for the Rays, who had won the first three games in the series before letting that advantage slip.

 

[Robert]

I love baseball. Every pitch is meaningful, resulting in a perceptible shift of the odds. I visited the MLB Hall of Fame in Cooperstown NY.

I prefer test cricket to baseball but would rather watch MLB to ODIs or T20.

As a Red Sox fan I was delighted to hear them break the Curse of the Bambino in 2004, fourteen years before time.

 

[ElRaja]

MLB is great, obviously i like cricket more, but i can totally appreciate why people love it, also lots of stats which makes it more fun for a cricket fan. also the general level of athleticism in baseball is very high.

ended up getting a cab ride with a yankees supporter in NY once, proper education and it was great to see someone as obsessed about stats as the average cricket fan, lol. in NY esp its a way of life, really cool to see.

 

[Robert]

MLB is great, obviously i like cricket more, but i can totally appreciate why people love it, also lots of stats which makes it more fun for a cricket fan. also the general level of athleticism in baseball is very high.

ended up getting a cab ride with a yankees supporter in NY once, proper education and it was great to see someone as obsessed about stats as the average cricket fan, lol. in NY esp its a way of life, really cool to see.

Ha ha! As a Yankees fan he is the natural enemy of the Rex Sox fans.

But I concur about the stats. I find such games easier to follow and understand.

 

[ElRaja]

Ha ha! As a Yankees fan he is the natural enemy of the Rex Sox fans.

But I concur about the stats. I find such games easier to follow and understand.

you can have context of any constest even if u havnt followed the whole season, also baseball video games are amzaing fun, managed to put one on when i was with a few mates earlier in the year, we ended up playing for 4 or 5 hours, the gameplay dynamics are sooooo much better than cricket its crazy.

 

[Technics 1210]

Pick up a history book. Cricket was the national sport of USA before the civil war. Baseball is a sport born out of hatered and guilt.

Precise reason why the terminology in Baseball is similar if not identical to Cricket.

 

[Robert]

you can have context of any constest even if u havnt followed the whole season, also baseball video games are amzaing fun, managed to put one on when i was with a few mates earlier in the year, we ended up playing for 4 or 5 hours, the gameplay dynamics are sooooo much better than cricket its crazy.

Of course the ball dominates the bat - it is very hard to hit the ball with a round stick, when you can only hit through the vee, and there are eight fielders with gloves in front of you.

 

[MenInG]

The Los Angeles Dodgers overturned a 3-1 series deficit to beat the Atlanta Braves and reach the World Series.

The Dodgers won the deciding seventh game 4-3 on Sunday, Cody Bellinger hitting the crucial home run.

 

[ElRaja]

Of course the ball dominates the bat - it is very hard to hit the ball with a round stick, when you can only hit through the vee, and there are eight fielders with gloves in front of you.

yes, in cricket the pressure is all on the batsmen to not get out, in baseball its all on the pitcher to not concede runs.

also that focus puts a tremendous amount of focus on ground fielding where baseball is pbly ahead of cricket, catching i think without gloves, in slips, is probably a better level in cricket.

 

[JaDed]

Baseball is aggressive form of cricket.. and its about brute strength as well but for me its not as interesting as NBA or NHL, also find the term “world series” similar to Miss Universe..

 

[Robert]

yes, in cricket the pressure is all on the batsmen to not get out, in baseball its all on the pitcher to not concede runs.

also that focus puts a tremendous amount of focus on ground fielding where baseball is pbly ahead of cricket, catching i think without gloves, in slips, is probably a better level in cricket.

Hmm, the way I see it the pitcher is in charge. If a batter who can get on base three times in ten at-bats is a top-liner then surely the pitcher and fielders dominate. Especially when to advance a runner the next batter is often expected to make a sacrifice fly or bunt, getting himself out on purpose.

 

[ishtiaq_ctg]

I remember Gilchrist in his playing days was offered a baseball contract. That was the first time i heard about baseball. As I've come to understand it, it's definitely a cool and very hard game. (Not sure about the Gilchrist news though. I was a kid back in those days and heard it from my elder brother)

 

[Nadeemp]

I remember Gilchrist in his playing days was offered a baseball contract. That was the first time i heard about baseball. As I've come to understand it, it's definitely a cool and very hard game. (Not sure about the Gilchrist news though. I was a kid back in those days and heard it from my elder brother)

I heard that also. With boston red sox. Dont know if true. He was a great hitter

 

[Robert]

I heard that also. With boston red sox. Dont know if true. He was a great hitter

He could have been a great Catcher for the Sox, another Carlton Fisk.

 

[Smbhayi]

I remember Gilchrist in his playing days was offered a baseball contract. That was the first time i heard about baseball. As I've come to understand it, it's definitely a cool and very hard game. (Not sure about the Gilchrist news though. I was a kid back in those days and heard it from my elder brother)

I think that's after WC 2007 Final knock..

On topic really don't understand it's rules.. is it mandatory to run after hitting the ball on playing field..? I mean the player automatically starts running after hitting the ball on mobile game

 

[ElRaja]

I think that's after WC 2007 Final knock..

On topic really don't understand it's rules.. is it mandatory to run after hitting the ball on playing field..? I mean the player automatically starts running after hitting the ball on mobile game ������

yep, if u hit it fair (i.e within the v) you have to run. if you hit it and it lands outside the V it is considered a foul, and counts as a first or second strike, but not a third.

 

[Birdman]

I think that's after WC 2007 Final knock..

On topic really don't understand it's rules.. is it mandatory to run after hitting the ball on playing field..? I mean the player automatically starts running after hitting the ball on mobile game

If the ball is in the fair territory the hitter have to run and make it to the first base without being put out. If the ball goes out of the foul line before reaching the first or 3rd base, it's a foul ball and the hitter don't have to run.

 

[Robert]

I think that's after WC 2007 Final knock..

On topic really don't understand it's rules.. is it mandatory to run after hitting the ball on playing field..? I mean the player automatically starts running after hitting the ball on mobile game ������

There is a type of defensive stroke play - if the batter is on two strikes and doesn’t like a pitch, he can try to foul it off into the crowd - this is a very great skill which only the top guys can do.

 

[Firebat]

World Series 2020: The Tampa Bay Rays beat the Los Angeles Dodgers 6-4 in game two

The Tampa Bay Rays beat the Los Angeles Dodgers 6-4 to level the World Series at one game each.

Brandon Lowe hit two home runs, while pitcher Brandon Snell also impressed for the Rays against the best offense from the regular season.

Snell did not give up a hit until the fifth when the Dodgers' Chris Taylor hit a home run.

"I attacked the zone really well, mixed it up, and did a good job keeping them off balance," said Snell.

"They are a very selective team with a few guys who are aggressive, so I had a pretty good game plan for what I needed to do to have success against them. It went my way but I'll see them again and I'll have to be better."

Joey Wendle also drove in three runs for the Rays, who are chasing their first World Series title.

The Dodgers, who won Tuesday's opening match 8-3, struck out 15 times and recorded just five hits against Snell and the Rays' relief pitchers.

While Chris Taylor, Will Smith and Corey Seager scored home runs, it was not enough for the Dodgers, who are aiming to win their first title since 1988.

Game three of the best-of-seven World Series takes place on Friday in Arlington, Texas.

The 2020 series is being played in front of a limited crowd, at a neutral venue for the first time, to minimise travel between states during the coronavirus pandemic.

https://www.bbc.com/sport/baseball/54641454

 

[MenInG]

KARACHI: One of the most sought-after cities of Pakistan, Skardu, now has the honour of having the world's highest baseball field.

A day earlier, the World Baseball Softball Confederation (WBSC) confirmed that Skardu is now the highest place in the world where baseball matches will soon be held. The city "is a top-rated destination for tourists willing to see the K2 mountain," it said.

In its latest statement, the the international governing body for the sport named Skardu's 7,310-feet-high baseball field the highest in the world. The city, after hosting the upcoming match, would surpass the Coors Field, the highest baseball field located in Denver in the US state of Colorado located at an altitude of 5,130 feet, the WBSC mentioned.

The Pakistan Federation Baseball (PFB) had earlier announced various related activities in Skardu, as well as in Gilgit, to be held later this month. It had also announced to inaugurate the National Baseball Academy in the tourist city.

An inter-district baseball tournament, comprising four teams, was slated to be held in Skardu on October 29 and 30, while an exhibition match would be played between Pakistan Greens and Pakistan Whites on October 31, which will include the country's international players.

Another exhibition baseball match between the two teams would be played in Gilgit on November 3.

PFB President Syed Fakhar Ali Shah said it was "a matter of pride for Pakistan" to have the highest baseball field of the world.

"This will promote baseball and further increase the trend of tourism, which is also the vision of this government," he said, adding that he hoped the government would also provide patronage in this regard.

The WBSC noted that Pakistan is listed at the 27th position in over 80 countries and territories featured in its worldwide rankings. The "PFB leaders have been aggressively trying to grow the game in their country, with new fields, academies and other development-focused activities," it added.

https://www.geo.tv/latest/314540-skardu-becomes-worlds-highest-baseball-field

 

[Robert]

I know how to play both and I have to say baseball is much easier.

In what regard though? The ball is hard to hit fair as you can only hit through the vee into a packed field, with a round stick. MLB pitchers get prodigious late movement - it can swing in the air like a cricket swing ball, though the mechanics are different, but can also break sharply as if hitting something invisible in the air - either down or sideways, or occasionally even up which is quite a sight.

 

[sweep_shot]

In what regard though? The ball is hard to hit fair as you can only hit through the vee into a packed field, with a round stick. MLB pitchers get prodigious late movement - it can swing in the air like a cricket swing ball, though the mechanics are different, but can also break sharply as if hitting something invisible in the air - either down or sideways, or occasionally even up which is quite a sight.

Cricket is much more complex. More rules and strategies.

Also, baseball has this thing called Mercy Rule. I find it lame.

Furthermore, in baseball, catchers wear gloves to catch ball. I find it soft.

 

[Firebat]

World Series 2020: Los Angeles Dodgers beat Tampa Bay Rays in game three

The Los Angeles Dodgers earned a 6-2 victory over the Tampa Bay Rays to take a 2-1 lead in Major League Baseball's best-of-seven World Series.

The Dodgers, whose expensively assembled squad makes them the favourites, started with a home run in the first innings from Justin Turner.

Austin Barnes also hit a home run, while pitcher Walker Buehler gave up just one run.

"I felt good out there and my team gave me a cushion early," said Buehler.

"The playoffs are just different. I feel like I've failed in these moments, but I've taken the failures and I've tried to learn from them.

"You can't ask for more than that."

The Dodgers are bidding to end a 32-year MLB title drought after losing the Fall Classic in 2017 and 2018, while the Rays are aiming for their first crown in their second World Series appearance.

Game four takes place on Saturday in Arlington, Texas, where the World Series is being played on neutral ground after the regular season was cut short by the coronavirus pandemic.

https://www.bbc.com/sport/baseball/54672352

 

[Firebat]

Alex Cora: Boston Red Sox rehire manager after MLB sign-stealing suspension expires

Alex Cora has rejoined the Boston Red Sox as manager, less than a fortnight after his season-long suspension from Major League Baseball expired.

Cora, 45, had won the World Series title with Boston in 2018, but was then sacked by the club in January for his part in the Houston Astros sign-stealing scandal, and subsequently banned by MLB for the 2020 season.

That ban lasted until the conclusion of the recent World Series.

But after a poor season under Cora's replacement Ron Roenicke, in which the Red Sox lost 36 of their 60 games and finished bottom of the American League East division, they have moved quickly to rehire Cora once he was available again.

"This past year, I have had time to reflect and evaluate many things, and I recognize how fortunate I am to lead this team once again," he said.

What is 'sign stealing' - and what was the scandal?

It happens when opposing teams monitor what finger signs a catcher is using to request specific deliveries - such as a fastball, curveball or slider - from his pitcher.

MLB rules prohibit the use of electronic equipment to steal signs but otherwise the practice, while frowned upon, is not against the rules.

In September 2017, the Red Sox were fined for using an Apple Watch to steal signs from the New York Yankees, leading MLB to specifically warn all 30 teams over the use of technology.

A report by The Athletic in November 2019 then claimed that the Astros had used a camera in the outfield in 2017 to monitor opposing teams' signals, and then banged on a rubbish bin inside the clubhouse to signal an off-speed pitch.

In January, MLB suspended Astros manager AJ Hinch and general manager Jeff Luhnow for a year - the pair were both fired by Houston the same day - while fining the Astros and stripping them of four draft picks.

https://www.bbc.com/sport/baseball/54852334

 

[Robert]

Cricket is much more complex. More rules and strategies.

Also, baseball has this thing called Mercy Rule. I find it lame.

Furthermore, in baseball, catchers wear gloves to catch ball. I find it soft.

Can't say as I agree. MLB is subtle with the odds constantly shifting and the tactics changing from pitch to pitch.

Soft eh? You know the catcher is allowed to obstruct the batter, and the batter to shoulder-charge him?

 

[MenInG]

MLB's Cleveland team will drop their 'Indians' nickname after 105 years, following persistent criticism that the name was offensive to Native Americans.

 

[MenInG]

Baltimore Orioles player Matt Harvey has been suspended for 60 games after admitting to providing drugs to former Los Angeles Angels team-mate Tyler Skaggs, who later died.

Major League Baseball announced the suspension as part of an investigation into Skaggs' death.

Harvey testified in February to passing on oxycodone to Skaggs from former Angels employee Eric Kay.

Kay was convicted of supplying drugs and faces up to 20 years in prison.

Skaggs died aged 27 in a Texas hotel room in July 2019, the team staying there before a four-game series against Texas Rangers. A coroner's report said he had choked on his vomit while under the influence of fentanyl, oxycodone and alcohol.

The court ruled that Kay, a former director of communications for the Angels, distributed a controlled substance resulting in death. He was also convicted of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute controlled substances and will be sentenced in June.

Taking the stand in exchange for immunity, Harvey said he had received pills from Kay and then subsequently shared the oxycodone with Skaggs. Harvey also admitted during the trial to past cocaine usage.

The MLB's commissioner's office announced Harvey had been suspended without pay for violating the league's Joint Drug Prevention and Treatment Program.

The suspension has been backdated from 29 April and so Harvey could be eligible for selection from 8 July.

BBC

 

[SpiritOf1903]

They throw at 100mph.. which makes bowling 90+ super impressive. Quite watchable these playoffs

 

[sweep_shot]

Baseball is boring.

I played a bit of baseball when I was in high school. Very boring compared to cricket.

Cricket is the 2nd best sport in the world (1st is football/soccer).

 

[Robert]

They throw at 100mph.. which makes bowling 90+ super impressive. Quite watchable these playoffs

Off one pace, though.

 

[SpiritOf1903]

Off one pace, though.

That's my point. The mechanics of bowling and even being able to strike a ball off the bounce though the speed is less after bounce, makes cricket even more remarkable.

Still a very enjoyable game baseball though I barely understand it

 

[Robert]

That's my point. The mechanics of bowling and even being able to strike a ball off the bounce though the speed is less after bounce, makes cricket even more remarkable.

Still a very enjoyable game baseball though I barely understand it

Of course, the cricket bat is a flat blade. The baseball bat is a round stick. It’s very hard to hit a 100 mph ball - which sometimes changes course sharply in mid-air as the seams bite into the airflow - with a round stick.

 

[sweep_shot]

Baseball = Just full toss. Easier to hit.

Cricket is more complex. In cricket, you have bouncers, yorkers, length balls etc.

 

[Robert]

Baseball = Just full toss. Easier to hit.

Cricket is more complex. In cricket, you have bouncers, yorkers, length balls etc.

It would be easier to hit with a cricket bat because a cricket bat is flat. Try it with a round bat. You can only hit through the vee and in that vee there are eight excellent divers / stoppers / catchers / throwers with gloves.

In baseball you have curve balls (lateral and overhand), knuckle balls, splitters and sliders where the ball appears to hit an an invisible object in the air and abruptly breaks downwards or even upwards.

If you can get a hit in fair territory just three times out of ten at-bats, you are considered excellent.

 

[sweep_shot]

It would be easier to hit with a cricket bat because a cricket bat is flat. Try it with a round bat. You can only hit through the vee and in that vee there are eight excellent divers / stoppers / catchers / throwers with gloves.

In baseball you have curve balls (lateral and overhand), knuckle balls, splitters and sliders where the ball appears to hit an an invisible object in the air and abruptly breaks downwards or even upwards.

If you can get a hit in fair territory just three times out of ten at-bats, you are considered excellent.

I have played a bit of baseball during high school days (grade 10 gym class). I was hitting quite well even with the baseball bat.

Knuckle ball, splitter etc. are all full tosses. Easy for anyone who plays cricket.

 

[SpiritOf1903]

It would be easier to hit with a cricket bat because a cricket bat is flat. Try it with a round bat. You can only hit through the vee and in that vee there are eight excellent divers / stoppers / catchers / throwers with gloves.

In baseball you have curve balls (lateral and overhand), knuckle balls, splitters and sliders where the ball appears to hit an an invisible object in the air and abruptly breaks downwards or even upwards.

If you can get a hit in fair territory just three times out of ten at-bats, you are considered excellent.

DeGrom looked unplayable yesterday with his speed and variations but like Sweep says,I never found middling it with a baseball bat hard. Though I wasn't facing 100mph either

 

[Birdman]

Hitting a baseball is not easy; those pitchers are not just throwing full tosses. Pitchers in baseball locate their pitches, they are not just throwing the pitches arbitrarily. The pitching coach calls pitches based on scouting they did on a hitter and the pitcher has to locate the pitch correctly. Hitting 300 is considered good in baseball.

 

[Robert]

I have played a bit of baseball during high school days (grade 10 gym class). I was hitting quite well even with the baseball bat.

Knuckle ball, splitter etc. are all full tosses. Easy for anyone who plays cricket.

Weird that MLB hitters can’t hit “quite well” then.

I have no hand-eye coordination at all. Couldn’t hit a baseball, cricket ball or even a softball.

 

[Robert]

Hitting a baseball is not easy; those pitchers are not just throwing full tosses. Pitchers in baseball locate their pitches, they are not just throwing the pitches arbitrarily. The pitching coach calls pitches based on scouting they did on a hitter and the pitcher has to locate the pitch correctly. Hitting 300 is considered good in baseball.

Sure, a given batter might be weaker against the low ball outside, for instance, and the pitcher will know and will put it there.

 

[Birdman]

Weird that MLB hitters can’t hit “quite well” then.

I have no hand-eye coordination at all. Couldn’t hit a baseball, cricket ball or even a softball.

Have you tried hitting girls fastpitch? It is bit harder than hitting a baseball. They release the ball at 35 ft from the hitter and can throw at anywhere between 60-75 mph.

 

[sweep_shot]

Weird that MLB hitters can’t hit “quite well” then.

I have no hand-eye coordination at all. Couldn’t hit a baseball, cricket ball or even a softball.

I of course didn't face MLB level pitchers. I faced amateur high school kids.

 

[sweep_shot]

Hitting a baseball is not easy; those pitchers are not just throwing full tosses. Pitchers in baseball locate their pitches, they are not just throwing the pitches arbitrarily. The pitching coach calls pitches based on scouting they did on a hitter and the pitcher has to locate the pitch correctly. Hitting 300 is considered good in baseball.

I know how it works. But, at the end of the day, these are just juicy full-tosses.

 

[Birdman]

I know how it works. But, at the end of the day, these are just juicy full-tosses.

More like yorkers in cricket. Yorker is a full toss but almost impossible to hit them.

 

[ElRaja]

no sport is easy or difficult, its the competition that makes it so. u could be playing tiddly winks and if u were playing at a world class level it would be difficult.

 

[Technics 1210]

Baseball balls are larger than cricket balls too. So it's not like a baseball player is hitting a ping pong ball.

 

[sweep_shot]

Baseball balls are larger than cricket balls too. So it's not like a baseball player is hitting a ping pong ball.

American sports are comical.

The players are all padded up in "American Football". It is like sissified rugby.

Baseball is sissified cricket. Big ball; fielders use gloves; full-toss only.

 

[DeadlyVenom]

It's very difficult to compare.

I played Baseball for a local team around 2 years ago and could absolutely smack the ball but only if it was in my slot.

The temptation to play behind square or cut or pulls was too much at times too.

In cricket there is a lot more variation in how the ball is delivered but conversely there is more scope for hitting.

The sports are too different to make any meaningful comparison....but I think its easier for a cricketer to adjust to baseball than vice versa.

 

[Robert]

American sports are comical.

The players are all padded up in "American Football". It is like sissified rugby.

Because only the ball-carrier can be tackled in rugby. Anyone can be tackled in NFL. Without all that armour, NFL players would be breaking bones every match.

I like gridiron. It’s so absorbing to watch. like chess with people. Those people weigh 300 lbs and can go forty yards in four seconds.

 

[Robert]

It's very difficult to compare.

I played Baseball for a local team around 2 years ago and could absolutely smack the ball but only if it was in my slot.

The temptation to play behind square or cut or pulls was too much at times too.

In cricket there is a lot more variation in how the ball is delivered but conversely there is more scope for hitting.

The MLB pitchers would know your slot and put it somewhere else. They can put it outside the plate so it looks like a ball not a strike and you leave it, and pull it back in during the last five yards of flight.

 

[Smbhayi]

It would be easier to hit with a cricket bat because a cricket bat is flat. Try it with a round bat. You can only hit through the vee and in that vee there are eight excellent divers / stoppers / catchers / throwers with gloves.

In baseball you have curve balls (lateral and overhand), knuckle balls, splitters and sliders where the ball appears to hit an an invisible object in the air and abruptly breaks downwards or even upwards.

If you can get a hit in fair territory just three times out of ten at-bats, you are considered excellent.

I can't understand baseball at all.. btw is it mandatory to have gloves for fielders...? Why..? ie cricket ball and baseball ball is similar weight? Right?

 

[Robert]

I can't understand baseball at all.. btw is it mandatory to have gloves for fielders...? Why..? ie cricket ball and baseball ball is similar weight? Right?

It helps to catch. They never drop the ball, ever. Just different games with different evolutions.

I like test cricket best because of the changing conditions forcing the players to adapt their techniques.

But I like baseball better than LO cricket due to its inherent elegance and symmetry. Three bases to run. Three strikes and you are out. Three outs ends an inning. Every pitch is important,0 as each moves the odds significantly.

 

[SalimBhai]

Baseball = Just full toss. Easier to hit.


Cricket is more complex. In cricket, you have bouncers, yorkers, length balls etc.

I am a cricket lover but have played baseball high school level. It ain’t east hitting a ball with a round bat when it’s coming to you 85-90 miles an hour

 

[SalimBhai]

American sports are comical.

The players are all padded up in "American Football". It is like sissified rugby.

Baseball is sissified cricket. Big ball; fielders use gloves; full-toss only.

Are you saying American football is sissified? You would not last one play. Neither would I. Hahahaha.

 

[ElRaja]

just to answer the question about baseball fielders wearing gloves, the in fielders field far more "line drives", flat hit shots on the full, than cricket in fielders, where the batsman tries to hit ground very often.

the average hit speed in MLB is around 100 mph according to baseball stats. infielders thus have more in common with wicket-keepers than other cricket fielders, even though a pinged baseball line drive is faster than what a wicket keeper will collect. given there can be up to 150 games a season, u have to save ur hands.

i don't see the reason for the comparison tbh, they are both fun sports, and everyone has their preferences, but i doubt any top cricketer could crack MLB (or vice versa), otherwise they would, esp in the west indies.

 

[ElRaja]

just felt like making an objective comparison (IMO) in a separate post:

The bat: Cricket has a bigger, heavier wider cricket bat. It swings significantly slower, but hits the ball significantly more consistently, thus cricketers find it easier to hit the ball, but cannot compete in distance with baseball homeruns because of the bat speed, the majority of sixes hit in cricket would be catches in baseball.

The ball: A cricket ball has a pronounced straight seam. It weighs a bit more and is a bit smaller. A baseball has a horse shoe seam. A cricket ball will have a consistent directional swing it bowled properly, baseball relies completely on drift, i.e. the effect of the spin applied to the ball. Cricket balls are used for the duration of the game thus can go from lively, hard and fast to slow and dead. Baseballs keep being changed so they retain similar characteristics through out the game.

Batting: In cricket the onus is on not getting out, whereas 360 degree batting options and movement in the crease allow for significant creativity in hitting. Baseball with a fixed V and static hitting position is primarily a athletic feat. Lack of spin bowling and short "at bats" means batters don't require two technical skill sets (to deal with fast and slow bowling) nor excessive abilities of concentration.

Bowling / Pitching: The onus on the bowler is to get wickets, whilst being hit is common, thus the pressure during the majority of the innings is far less for a cricket bowler than a baseball pitcher, where two or three bad pitches can lose a game at any point. Spin bowling while being a technical feat requires minimal athleticism, whereas most baseball pitchers tend to display athletic prowess with more consistency. All three disciplines, fast bowling, pitching and spin bowling have extensive technicalities to them.

in short batting in cricket cricket is a more technical, more mentally demanding sport (especially test cricket), whereas baseball is more athletic and reaction based. Bowling in both sports has a balance of athleticism and technicalities. The pressure of expectations is tilted towards batsman in cricket, especially tests, and vice versa in baseball.

 

[DeadlyVenom]

The MLB pitchers would know your slot and put it somewhere else. They can put it outside the plate so it looks like a ball not a strike and you leave it, and pull it back in during the last five yards of flight.

I played at a very low standard and still found it quite difficult. It was very difficult to switch off from cricket mode and the subtle variations in pitcher styles have a massive effect when the hitting space/range is constrained.

 

[DeadlyVenom]

just to answer the question about baseball fielders wearing gloves, the in fielders field far more "line drives", flat hit shots on the full, than cricket in fielders, where the batsman tries to hit ground very often.

the average hit speed in MLB is around 100 mph according to baseball stats. infielders thus have more in common with wicket-keepers than other cricket fielders, even though a pinged baseball line drive is faster than what a wicket keeper will collect. given there can be up to 150 games a season, u have to save ur hands.

i don't see the reason for the comparison tbh, they are both fun sports, and everyone has their preferences, but i doubt any top cricketer could crack MLB (or vice versa), otherwise they would, esp in the west indies.

[MENTION=131682]Ian Pont[/MENTION] - not sure if he still posts but I'm sure I read somewhere that he played baseball in America.

Would be an intereesting perspective from someone who played cricket at a good level.

 

[Chrish]

LOL at those who think they can hit the baseball.. Hitting is only one part of it; successfully hitting it and running to the base is whole another matter. It's like saying just because someone can block the delivery in cricket, they can score the century. Being able to block and being able to actually score are entirely two separate matter.

If you guys can think you are good at hitting baseball; you can easily earn $100 mil 10 year contract in MLB. What are you doing typing here ?? And plenty of Cricketers would happily make a switch too if it were that easy.

 

[Technics 1210]

Cricket was the national sport of Amreeka until the end of the civil war. Amreekans despised the Brits so dumped Cricket for Baseball, this is why there are many similarities between Cricket and Baseball.

https://bleacherreport.com/articles/75233-when-cricket-was-king-in-america

 

[ElRaja]

[MENTION=131682]Ian Pont[/MENTION] - not sure if he still posts but I'm sure I read somewhere that he played baseball in America.

Would be an intereesting perspective from someone who played cricket at a good level.

think it was julian fountain, really helped pak improve their fielding.

 

[Suleiman]

It’s mad hard to hit a baseball. You have less surface area than a cricket bat and you have to hit the ball all the way, there’s no 4s. Just comparing to 6 hitting in cricket, where you can play 360 degrees whereas in baseball you can’t.

Having said that, I still think cricket requires more skill, as a batsman, bowler, keeper and fielder.

 

[Robert]

It’s mad hard to hit a baseball. You have less surface area than a cricket bat and you have to hit the ball all the way, there’s no 4s. Just comparing to 6 hitting in cricket, where you can play 360 degrees whereas in baseball you can’t.

Having said that, I still think cricket requires more skill, as a batsman, bowler, keeper and fielder.

Very occasionally there are “inside the park” home runs.

Some of the very top hitters can place the ball to an extent, and the defence (fielders) will know this and move second base and shortstop a couple of yards, depending on whether there is a runner on base.

A really fast aggressive base runner will also influence the positions of the infield.

Defensive strokes are a possibility - if the batter is on two strikes, and sees a potential third strike coming in and doesn’t like it he can foul the ball off into the crowd.

 

[offstump]

You just have to look at batting averages to appreciate how difficult it is to be a successful hitter in baseball. If you’re batting around .300 or higher which means you’re successful about 1 out of 3 times you would be in the upper echelon of MLB hitters.. being around .400 for the entire season is a whole other level.

 

[Suleiman]

Also, had this recommended to me today, Jos and Hales playing for LA Dodgers and Boston Red Sox- apologies if already posted.

https://youtu.be/j_lvQaXBac8

Both did well, Jos hit a home run on the second ball. Then again these two are two of the best strikers of the cricket ball in the world today. If you’re not a big hitter in cricket then I imagine it would be very hard to make the transition.

 

[SalimBhai]

Are you saying American football is sissified? You would not last one play. Neither would I. Hahahaha.

I have never heard anyone describe. American football as sissified. Not a for all fan at all. But what support is more physical than football ( team sport).

 

[sweep_shot]

I have never heard anyone describe. American football as sissified. Not a for all fan at all. But what support is more physical than football ( team sport).

Almost everything about modern day America is sissified. American football is no exception.

 

[SalimBhai]

Almost everything about modern day America is sissified. American football is no exception.

Dude you would not last one play in the sport.

 

[sweep_shot]

Dude you would not last one play in the sport.

First of all, I do not consider American Football to be an actual sport. It is a cheap ripoff of rugby (just like baseball is a cheap ripoff of glorious cricket).

American football is basically for American fatties to get some exercise. Most American football players seem fat and out of shape.

There are only a few real sports in the world and those are - cricket, football/soccer, rugby, tennis, basketball, volleyball, boxing, golf, horse racing, Formula One, and field hockey.

 

[SpiritOf1903]

First of all, I do not consider American Football to be an actual sport. It is a cheap ripoff of rugby (just like baseball is a cheap ripoff of glorious cricket).

American football is basically for American fatties to get some exercise. Most American football players seem fat and out of shape.

There are only a few real sports in the world and those are - cricket, football/soccer, rugby, tennis, basketball, volleyball, boxing, golf, horse racing, Formula One, and field hockey.

I thought the same but agree American football is human chess.

 

[Chrish]

First of all, I do not consider American Football to be an actual sport. It is a cheap ripoff of rugby (just like baseball is a cheap ripoff of glorious cricket).

American football is basically for American fatties to get some exercise. Most American football players seem fat and out of shape.

There are only a few real sports in the world and those are - cricket, football/soccer, rugby, tennis, basketball, volleyball, boxing, golf, horse racing, Formula One, and field hockey.

[MENTION=428]Romali_rotti[/MENTION] ??

 

[sweep_shot]

First of all, I do not consider American Football to be an actual sport. It is a cheap ripoff of rugby (just like baseball is a cheap ripoff of glorious cricket).

American football is basically for American fatties to get some exercise. Most American football players seem fat and out of shape.

There are only a few real sports in the world and those are - cricket, football/soccer, rugby, tennis, basketball, volleyball, boxing, golf, horse racing, Formula One, and field hockey.

I forgot to add motor racing to the list of "real sports". I personally love it.

 

[Chrish]

Average NFL player is 3 times the size of average rugby dude. There is no comparison in terms of physical strength.

 

[SalimBhai]

First of all, I do not consider American Football to be an actual sport. It is a cheap ripoff of rugby (just like baseball is a cheap ripoff of glorious cricket).

American football is basically for American fatties to get some exercise. Most American football players seem fat and out of shape.

There are only a few real sports in the world and those are - cricket, football/soccer, rugby, tennis, basketball, volleyball, boxing, golf, horse racing, Formula One, and field hockey.

American football is not a rip off of rugby. They developed separately And I believe baseball comes from Rounders not cricket.

 

[Robert]

You just have to look at batting averages to appreciate how difficult it is to be a successful hitter in baseball. If you’re batting around .300 or higher which means you’re successful about 1 out of 3 times you would be in the upper echelon of MLB hitters.. being around .400 for the entire season is a whole other level.

Has anyone ever batted .400 for a season?

 

[Robert]

Also, had this recommended to me today, Jos and Hales playing for LA Dodgers and Boston Red Sox- apologies if already posted.

https://youtu.be/j_lvQaXBac8

Both did well, Jos hit a home run on the second ball. Then again these two are two of the best strikers of the cricket ball in the world today. If you’re not a big hitter in cricket then I imagine it would be very hard to make the transition.

Ah, but the pitchers were giving them dollies to begin with. As Buttler said, they started taking it more seriously after that when they realised the Englishmen had some ability.

 

[SpiritOf1903]

Ah, but the pitchers were giving them dollies to begin with. As Buttler said, they started taking it more seriously after that when they realised the Englishmen had some ability.

Morgan with his hurling background would have been a natural 5 years ago. Hurling is arguably the most difficult sport for hand-eye coordination. Literally breakneck speed

 

[offstump]

Has anyone ever batted .400 for a season?

Pretty much just one player, Ted Williams in the 1940’s.

 

[Robert]

[MENTION=136729]Suleiman[/MENTION],

There are different types of MLB hitters. Some percentage hitters such as Wade Boggs are there just to get on base. They don’t hit many home runs. Lead off hitters tend to be speedy on the bases too, attempting to steal a base and therefore distort the filed to open up gaps for the next hitter to knock the ball into.

The lead off hitter is there to get on base. The #2 is there to try to move him around the bases. Then the big hitters come in at three, four and five to try to bash a home run and bring all the base runners home.

 

[greatest]

Cricket is played by a small pool of nations mostly countries who were part of the British Empire, the Commonwealth. Why is baseball limited to a few countries, I mean countries who are really good at it like Japan, Cuba etc? Despite the fact that it's been featured in mainstream American media, Hollywood/TV etc. In contract many more people around the world admire and play basketball due to the NBA...but why not MLB?