curve vs. straight

[MattyboBatty]

This topic seems to come up in a lot of posts, but never directly targeted.  I have played both styles, and my personal opinion is straight-pitch.  Straight is definitely better with drinking because the drinks will obviously be more. As for regular competitive play, I understand its controversiality.  However, after playing baseball in real life and watching pro games, offense is the most fun part of baseball.  Nothing is better than hitting a dong over the fence and jogging around the bases.  Defense is also fun, but pitching duels are not fun to watch or play in (unless you're the catcher or the pitcher). I know MLB has tried to increase the runs iin a game to target fans like me, and I don't complain. With straight pitch, you get more hits, more homeruns, and inevitably, more defense.  I would like to hear the arguments for curve, and then maybe I would be more tempted to play it.

[jcbball86]

i agree, straight is a lot more fun, but its not real competitive, its mostly who has better homerun hitters.  if it was houston vs st louis, that would be pretty fun.  we usually do our first game or two straight to "warm up" then move to curve style

[Gantry]

The advantages for curve pitch are many:

#1 (And most important) - The skill factor.  No matter how good you are in straight pitch, you won't win more than 65% of your games.  Straight pitch takes out virtually all the abilities of the pitchers save the fastball.  Curve is a constant chess battle between the opponents.  The scores are low & close, therefore making every pitch count...

#2 - Greater parity between teams.  In straight pitch, you simply cannot win with the bottom teams (unless you are facing off against each other).  In curve pitch, any team can win a game thanks to the pitching.  

There are more but I'm too hung over to type anymore...