Part 4/10:
In the early 2000s, MLB attempted to quell dissatisfaction regarding the performance of baseballs by hiring external experts to test their properties. Studies showed that while the construction of the balls seemed consistent over time, the connection between their materials and their performance sparked skepticism. As offensive numbers began to decline again around 2010, MLB began to look for solutions.
By 2016, a notable uptick occurred, with teams hitting 5,610 home runs, just shy of the all-time record. This trend continued into 2017, eventually reaching a record-high 6,776 home runs in 2019. This surge raised questions, particularly as baseball's viewership continued to dwindle.