Based on the textual evidence provided, it is likely that the author of the article believes that the changes in rules regarding safety in baseball over the years have been an improvement. The mention of homemade balls and bats, as well as the fact that using a glove or mask was considered "sissy", suggests that early baseball was a more dangerous and less regulated sport. The question "How would you like to squat behind home plate with no glove or catcher's mask and have the ball whiz toward you?" implies that the author is grateful for the safety measures that have been put in place since then.