In its effort to shorten the length of game-play, it’s been reported that Major League Baseball approved the use of a dugout signal to replace the traditional four-pitch intentional walk. Beginning in 2017, batters will get a “free pass” to first base rather than stepping into the batter’s box and seeing four pitches thrown.
Since its approval earlier this week, players and fans have expressed mixed feelings toward the new rule. Here are the intentional walk numbers from the 2016 MLB season. Which side are you on? *These figures were obtained through CBSSports.com and WashingtonPost.com.
– 932 intentional walks in 2,428 games
– A ratio of 1 intentional walk every 2.6 games
– The 932 intentional walks throughout the year took approximately 1,410 minutes
So, this new signal rule will shorten the average MLB game by an astronomical….0:35 seconds. Really?? Congratulations, MLB! You’ve wasted your time and energy, and probably millions of dollars, on a meaningless attempt at a meaningful change. Once the numbers are reviewed after the first year and there is little to no reduction in game length, what will the game’s next modification be? Is this the first change of many coming? Is traditional baseball, America’s favorite pastime, coming to an end?
I’ll calm the jets for a second because I do want to go on record by agreeing with the need to shorten the length of baseball games. As a lifelong Atlanta Braves’ fan, I can admit they do sometimes drag out, especially since the replay review rule took effect in 2008.
The average length of a MLB game in 2015 was approximately 2 hours 56 minutes. Other than the NFL, which averages around 3 hours 10 minutes per game, all other professional sports average roughly 40 minutes less than baseball.
Also, baseball tends to be more brains than brawn when compared to other sports, minimizing hard hitting plays and providing less excitement. The average American nowadays has a fruit fly-like attention span which requires constant entertainment. Combine that with no running clock or set time constraint and interest can be lost almost immediately.
I’m not opposed to the decision of reducing game length, but I am opposed to this particular attempt at doing so. I do not think a free pass to first base, which shortens a game by an average of 35 seconds, is most beneficial. There have to be other, more constructive ways to cut back time. I’m a creature of habit and I like tradition, but I’m also open change if it makes sense. To me, this doesn’t.
I’ve seen enough MLB games to realize that 98% of intentional walks have occurred without error…but there has always been that chance. I liked knowing there could be some excitement if something went wrong. The free pass rule will remove the possibility of a pitcher mistake or other error that could potentially be the game’s deciding factor.
That’s my take. Let me know what you think by commenting below.
Check out Miguel Cabrera’s go-ahead 10th inning single on an apparent intentional walk pitch below.
@Eddie_ThePAS