The Detroit Tigers, who ranked last in Major League Baseball with 110 home runs last season, are making Comerica Park a little less spacious in 2023.
The team Wednesday announced changes to the outfield dimensions, with the center-field wall moved closer by 10 feet to 412 feet from home plate.
Also, the height of the outfield wall in multiple areas will be lowered to 7 feet. For example, the wall above the out-of-town scoreboard in right-center field will be lowered from 13 feet to 7.
While still pitcher-friendly, Comerica will better reward hitters on balls hit to the outfield gaps and deepest parts of the ballpark while giving outfielders more chances to make “electric defensive plays such as home run robberies,” the team said in a press release.
Comerica Park’s 412-foot wall in center is still the second deepest in the big leagues behind Coors Field (415). The league average is 402.
Laser measurements were taken and the distance to the left-field corner didn’t change but will be accurately marked as 342 instead of 345 feet.
The organization sought feedback from fans, players and front office personnel. One of the improvements for players is the foundation of the entire outfield wall will be reconstructed with material and padding that enhances safety.
Tigers president of baseball operations Scott Harris said adjusting the outfield dimensions has been a topic in the organization for “quite some time.”
“We’re confident that this plan accomplishes our goals of improving offensive conditions on the hardest hit balls, while maintaining Comerica Park’s unique dimensions and style of play,” Harris said in a press release. “These updates come after a great deal of research and feedback from all stakeholders in and around the organization, including our fans, players and front office. The outfield wall changes, combined with new rules from Major League Baseball in place this season, have the potential to create even more excitement and on field action for years to come.”
–Field Level Media