Atlanta Braves: Is Beautiful New SunTrust Park A Problem For Pitchers?
By W. M. Lawson
The Atlanta Braves opened 2017 with a beautiful new ball park. This shiny new house apparently comes with a launching pad. Will this be a problem?
There was, and continues to be, a lot of fan fare regarding the new Atlanta Braves ball park. SunTrust Park is as aesthetically pleasing as one could hope for. Even after a full month of MLB action, the newness feel hasn’t worn off, as Atlanta has played 16 of 26 games on the road, thus far. Players are still trying to learn the park, as it were.
One thing, though, that has jumped out in the 10 games played there is the fact that the ball jumps out of the park. The ball jumps and goes…and continues to go. There have been multiple shots that looked like routine fly balls, only for Matt Kemp and Nick Markakis to run out of real estate. The question begs: Will this be a problem?
A quick look at the numbers, and the answer isn’t conclusive. But the picture isn’t rainbows and giggles, either. The National League average for HRs hit in a park in 2017 is currently 2.38 a game. SunTrust Park is averaging giving up 2.30 HRs/game. So far, so good…under the NL average.
Also reassuring is that there are only five ball parks in the NL that have a lower average. Meaning, out of 15 NL parks, Atlanta’s is near the bottom third. That’s not bad.
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So, why does it seem that the ball is constantly and inexplicably leaving the yard? It could have something to do with the fact that Atlanta has only played 10 games, and STP has yielded 23 HRs. That is more than “The TED” in the same span. It could be that, just like the players, we’re just not used to it ourselves.
The troubling part is that it is still Spring. Anyone with common knowledge of the game knows that the ball doesn’t jump until it gets warmer. Coupled with the fact that Atlanta’s pitching staff has started to get exposed, it could be a long summer in Atlanta…and by long I mean long home runs.
Either way, enjoy the new park. But bring your glove to the yard. Chances are you’ll get your chance at a fly ball.
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