The first 20 years of the century have often been called the "Dead Ball" era (or Age of the Pitcher) in Baseball. Teams played "Small Ball" (embodied by Ty Cobb). In the 1920s, the advantage switched over to the hitter and the Age of the Homerun was born (embodied by Babe Ruth). First, why did the pitchers dominate in the early part of the century, what was "small ball" and why did that all change after 1920?

The first 20 years of the century have often been called the "Dead Ball" era (or Age of the Pitcher) in Baseball. Teams played "Small Ball" (embodied by Ty Cobb). In the 1920s, the advantage switched over to the hitter and the Age of the Homerun was born (embodied by Babe Ruth). First, why did the pitchers dominate in the early part of the century, what was "small ball" and why did that all change after 1920?