BASEBALL DAILY REPORT : Aaron: The Ball Is Wound Tighter

Henry Aaron, who hit more home runs than anyone in major league history, has a simple explanation for the rash of homers this season:

The ball is juiced.

“Baseball has to do something to create publicity,” Aaron said. “What’s the best way to do it? Hit balls out of the ballpark.

“The ball is definitely wound a lot tighter this year. I saw [Atlanta Brave third baseman] Chipper Jones hit a ball to dead-center in Philadelphia, and he just stuck his bat out there. The ball’s definitely tighter.

“But I think it’s good for baseball. It’s a positive thing. The fans want to see homers. Nobody in the stands comes here and wants to see a no-hitter. The most popular things are homers and triples.”