JANUARY 11

On this date in 1973, Major League Baseball owners voted to allow the American League to adopt the designated hitter rule.  It was an effort to inject greater offense in the game.  The rule allows each team to designate one player to bat for another one player who is playing in the field - this is almost always the pitcher.

The National League refused to adopt the rule.  As a result, when two teams from the two different leagues play each other, the home team's rules are in effect.  The variance has caused the two leagues to build their teams differently.  Pitchers in the American League never have to bat or run the bases when they pitch (in regular league play).  They are allowed to stay in a game as long as they are pitching well.  Managers in the National League are apt to replace pitchers in desperate hitting situations.  More pitchers and more reserve players are used.

Baseball aficionados fall in both sides of arguments about which is better - playing with the designated hitter rule or without.  Old timers like me usually do not like it.  I do not!
*O*