Final answer:
During the Dead-Ball Era in baseball, batting averages were generally lower due to larger ballparks, less advanced equipment, and different playing strategies.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Dead-Ball Era in baseball refers to the period from around 1900 to 1919. During this time, statistics were different compared to later eras. One major difference was that batting averages were generally lower in the Dead-Ball Era, not higher as stated in the question.
Due to a combination of factors such as larger ballparks, less advanced equipment, and different playing strategies, scoring was lower and home runs were less common. As a result, hitters had lower batting averages. It was more common for players to focus on contact hitting, bunting, and moving runners along instead of hitting for power.
For example, in the year 1907, the league-wide batting average in the American League was .239, and in 1918 it was .249. These numbers are significantly lower compared to the higher batting averages seen in later eras, such as the Steroid Era in the late 1990s and early 2000s.
Learn more about Statistics in the Dead-Ball Era