Blue Jays Turf: Home Field Advantage?

Image via Coors Field Info at MLB.com

Coors Field- Colorado Rockies

Perhaps one of the bigger advantages in MLB sits nearly a mile above sea level. The Rockies play in a field that has been analysed to death for its impact on hitting. The dimensions of the field are actually quite large considering the types of fences you see in the AL East. It is 347 ft to LF and 350 to RF. One would think that with distance like that, it would be harder to crank one out. And yet, numbers that come out of Coors Field are widely accepted as being inflated. We expect HR totals to increase for guys who play for an extended period of time in Colorado.

Image via BaseballAlmanac.com

According to Baseball Almanac, “Debates rage on about virtually every aspect of the game here at Coors Field (the altitude, the pitchers, the fitness needed to perform, the humidor, etc), but the park itself has statistically proven to be a hitter’s paradise…”

Heck, the club even advertises this to draw folks in: “Another important effect of altitude on baseball is the influence thinner air has on pitching. In general, curve balls will be a little less snappy, and fastballs will get about an extra six inches of giddy-up due to the decrease in resistance the thinner air provides. So, fasten your shoulder harnesses, keep both hands on the bar in front you at all times, and enjoy the ride.” – Coors Field history by MLB.com.

Apparently, a ball hit at sea level can travel much further (even more with the right wind) at Coors Field. So, hitters who play here on a regular basis get to enjoy this benefit on their baseball cards. But, opposing pitchers who are not used to throwing under these conditions are at a distinct disadvantage. It is not surprising to see that already in 2015, Coors Filed is 2nd in all of baseball with a .333 BABIP.

Next: Minute Maid Park