So, Jim Bowden, former Cincinnati Reds and Washington Nationals General Manager, and now Atlantic columnist and co-host of Inside Pitch on MLB Network Radio, has stated that it is his belief that the National League could adopt the Designated Hitter rule from 2021. This has brought up a lot of underlying opinions on the matter, from both sides of the fence. If this is true, it would be the most hotly debated issue in Baseball in the last few years, if not since the American League adopted the rule in 1973. The National League has had the model of all nine position players hitting since it's inception in 1876, and going against this would be seen by many as betraying the history and lore of the game we all love. However, the issue is not as straightforward as that. With that said, let's get into it!
National League Adopting the DH - Pros
When discussing the Pro points of the argument that the National League should adopt the DH rule, it is important to remember that the American League has had World Series champions from their League 25 times compared to 21 winners of the World Series from the National League since the adoption of the DH in '73. So they have that going for them. Not as dominant as you would assume, considering many make the argument that the American League has been dominant since adopting the DH. Secondly, the American League has won 27 All Star Games, compared to 19 won by the National League, with 1 infamous tie. A lot more dominant. Whether this has anything to do with the DH rule is a mute point, although the DH being a part of the All Star Game and also in Interleague Play, would point to this being a part, minor maybe, but definitely a part none the less, in the American League dominance over the National League. Also, added to this, is the American League winning 3,166 games versus the National League winning 2,898 since Interleague play being added to the schedule in 1997. This all points to an overwhelming positive to the DH.
Another positive, is that it gives new meaning for older, slower players, who may not be able to field efficiently enough in the era of advanced Sabermetrics, to still have a role in Baseball. Guys like Paul Molitor, David Ortiz, Edgar Martinez, Jim Rice, Frank Thomas, and others, would have lost a role in baseball, and either retired early, or been horribly in-efficient in fielding situations, leading to a lot more errors. Not good.
Finally, having a pitcher hit, while funny at times, joyous at times (holla to Bartolo Colon and the unbridled joy in hitting his first Home Run), is a true momentum killer and a rally breaker. 9/10 times, the pitcher is an easy out. It literally has no use outside of "this is how things are done around here". Yet, this is a sport that systematically voted within themselves to keep out African Americans and dark skinned Latino, and that was the way things were always done round there back then. Sometimes, tradition needs to change, for the better. I am in no way comparing the two, only highlighting the fact that sometimes Baseball's gatekeepers are the sports worst enemy. Having a DH in the National League will help drive more runs, which the fans want to see, and hold more young people's attention in the age of low attention spans and social media. Besides, chick dig the long ball!Designated Hitter in the National League - Cons
The tradition of Baseball, was intended for all 9 players to hit and field. Period. Taking away pinch hitting does eliminate important aspects of strategy from the game. Also, bunting is rarely used in the American League, and bunting is an art form that, when executed correctly, is an enthralling aspect of the game and a joy to watch.
That's all I've got. I'm struggling for any more cons. If anyone can think of any, hit me up on Twitter or leave a comment. Seriously guys, I have nothing.Conclusion
If possible to implement, it should be done. Just get it done. It is ridiculous to expect pitchers to hit in the 2020's. The risk of injury, and the overall pointless nature of it in general, is well, just that. Pointless. The killing of rallies in close games, removes a level of excitement of the game. This is a new era for the World, and Baseball needs to evolve. To survive. The MLB has a major issue in how it markets it's game and it's most important players as it is. The NBA and NFL has been marketing it's stars aggressively
, and it's game also, around the World for decades. The MLB is slowly getting there, judging from the London Series and marketing the Yankees in general sporting stores around the World. But it is several steps behind other major Leagues.
Will the DH coming League wide change this? Possibly not. However, the last time Baseball was hot in the eyes of the mainstream, it was due to the excitement of the steroid era. Huge Home Runs every night, records being broken, rules broken. It was exciting. And the DH rule brings more excitement. It isn't perfect. But it's a start. So, Mr Manfred, just get it done now. If not, it is a clear sign you do not want to expand the game outside of what it knows, and can only end badly for all involved.
Comments
Post a Comment