The evolution of MLB baseball equipment begins with the baseball bat...
Baseball bats come in various widths, lengths and materials. A heavier bat will give more momentum to the ball, but mean less speed in the swing. A lighter bat gives the batter more control but less momentum. The restitution of a bat (the relationship with the "bounciness" of an object) also determines how far a ball will travel. Bats made out of aluminum or graphite hit balls farther than bats made of wood.
Aluminum bats were first used in the 1970's. MLB batting averages rose 30 points and the number of homeruns hit doubled. Now, MLB batters use wooden bats. If they changed to a lighter material such as aluminum, there would be more homeruns hit and the traditional records and baseball legends would seem insignificant.
In 1991, Steven Baum, a mechanical engineer invented the "Baum Bat" which is made of a high strength inner core made of resin impregnated fibers and yarns with an ashwood surface. It functions as a wooden bat but is much more durable. The Baum Bat improved hitting power by 5%.
Baseballs have also been restructured to travel farther and the pitchers mound has been moved back. Changes in materials and designs of equipment have brought an overall increase to the offense and the MLB baseball game has evolved to give fans a more exciting game.
