Ah, the few days before pitchers and catchers report to their respective locations and men and women, boys and girls can still relish the impending baseball season with all the hopes and dreams a fan should be allowed. It’s a time when everyone is even, destinies hang in limbo, and anything can happen…
Except that’s not quite true.
On April 6th, 1973, New York Yankee Ron Blomberg stepped to the plate as the first designated hitter in regular season Major League history. What started as an experiment during Spring Training of 1969 culminated in not so glorious fashion: Blomberg walked. But, it started what has become one of the most arduously argued points in all of American sports. So much so that people who couldn’t name a single Yankee player have an opinion on the subject.
Besides creating controversy and bar room arguments for over 30 years, it has also created a great divide that is increasing every year as the hitter generation moves into baseball. Initially created as a way for teams to heighten their batting averages and for aging players to extend their careers, the Designated Hitter role has become more of a power role. It has evolved into a role for Cecil Fielder-esque goliaths to swat balls over the wall like elephants tossing midgets, all the while completely disregarding the other 80% of the game.
This is all well and good for your average baseball fan who just came to watch homeruns. But, let’s face it, these people are retards. Plain and simple. Sorry, but it had to be said. Baseball consists of four elements at it’s most simplistic break down: batting, baserunning, fielding, and pitching. Your average DH only does one of the four, and if you want to break it down even further even the best DH only does that one thing 30% of the time.
Well, la dee da! Another opponent of the Designated Hitter! Get in line, Jerk Ass… Right? Okay, well, I’m coming at you with another point and I’m also bringing some history:
Major League Baseball introduced the DH to the regular season in 1973, as I said above. They didn’t adopt the DH into the World Series until 1976, and even then they only used the DH in even-numbered World Series years until 1986 when it became an every year event. Following up with that in 1989, they decided to fully integrate the DH into Major League Baseball by including it in the All-Star Game.
Well, let’s take a step back and look at what the Designated Hitter truly means to baseball. The DH was created as a way to bring dipping team batting averages up and allow aging players to prolong their careers. Both of these original concepts are nothing but PR marketing. Pitchers are dominating the game, how can we shake things up? As our crowd favorites retire, attendance dips, how can we keep people in the stands? Two questions, one answer.
Suddenly, like a shot in the ass, we are seeing the after effects of the MLB’s marketing “supplement”. Since the DH was integrated into the All-Star Game, the American League has won 14 out of 17 matchups. The National League has only won 11 of the World Series’ that utilized the Designated Hitter since 1979, and is only 4 of 10 in the past ten seasons.
The bottom line here is that this over-engorged marketing ploy has created a gap in statistical equivalences that is only growing wider during the “steroids/hitters” era. So, the question I pose to you, the reading public, is how much longer can this continue? It seems obvious that Major League Baseball will never remove the Designated Hitter. With David Ortiz as the current Crown Prince of baseball, the Designated Hitter’s presence has never been stronger. With the current trend of players getting more powerful and less agile by the season, the Designated Hitter’s place in the future of baseball couldn’t be less questionable.
How much longer do we, the National League fans: the self-proclaimed baseball purists, get to watch the game we remember and love? How much longer do we have until baseball is forced to institute the Designated Hitter into the National League to create parity between the leagues once again? The clock is running. We may hate it, we may make promises we have no intention of keeping after it’s done, but it seems inevitable.
Just thought you should know…
Hmmm...I got nothin'...
Great blog you have here but I was wanting to know if you knew of any message boards that cover the same topics talked about in this article? I’d really love to be a part of community where I can get responses from other knowledgeable people that share the same interest. If you have any recommendations, please let me know. Thanks!
Magnificent goods from you, man. How Much Longer Can The NL Stay Pure? | Armchair Association I’ve understand your stuff previous to and you are just too great. I really like what you have acquired here, really like what you’re stating and the way in which you say it. You make it enjoyable and you still take care of to keep it wise. I can not wait to read much more from you. This is actually a terrific How Much Longer Can The NL Stay Pure? | Armchair Association informations.
Hey There. I found your blog using msn. This is an extremely well written article. I’ll be sure to bookmark it and return to read more of How Much Longer Can The NL Stay Pure? | Armchair Association . Thanks for the post. I’ll definitely return.
Hey There. I found your blog using msn. This is a really well written article. I will be sure to bookmark it and come back to read more of How Much Longer Can The NL Stay Pure? | Armchair Association . Thanks for the post. I will certainly comeback.
Excellent goods from you, man. How Much Longer Can The NL Stay Pure? | Armchair Association I’ve understand your stuff previous to and you are just extremely great. I actually like what you have acquired here, really like what you are saying and the way in which you say it. You make it enjoyable and you still take care of to keep it wise. I can not wait to read far more from you. This is actually a tremendous How Much Longer Can The NL Stay Pure? | Armchair Association informations.
How Much Longer Can The NL Stay Pure? | Armchair Association I was recommended this web site by my cousin. I am not sure whether this post is written by him as nobody else know such detailed about my trouble. You’re incredible! Thanks! your article about How Much Longer Can The NL Stay Pure? | Armchair AssociationBest Regards Lisa
Excellent goods from you, man. How Much Longer Can The NL Stay Pure? | Armchair Association I have understand your stuff previous to and you are just too great. I actually like what you’ve acquired here, certainly like what you’re saying and the way in which you say it. You make it entertaining and you still take care of to keep it wise. I cant wait to read far more from you. This is really a terrific How Much Longer Can The NL Stay Pure? | Armchair Association informations.
I got what you impart, thanks for swing up. Woh I am pleased to conceive this website through google. Thanks For Share How Much Longer Can The NL Stay Pure? | Armchair Association.
I got what you convey, thanks for swing up. Woh I am gladsome to maturate this website through google. Thanks For Share How Much Longer Can The NL Stay Pure? | Armchair Association.
Wonderful goods from you, man. How Much Longer Can The NL Stay Pure? | Armchair Association I’ve understand your stuff previous to and you are just extremely great. I actually like what you’ve acquired here, really like what you are stating and the way in which you say it. You make it enjoyable and you still take care of to keep it wise. I can not wait to read far more from you. This is actually a tremendous How Much Longer Can The NL Stay Pure? | Armchair Association informations.
I got what you convey, thanks for swing up. Woh I am happy to maturate this website through google. Thanks For Share How Much Longer Can The NL Stay Pure? | Armchair Association.
This internet site can be a walk-by way of for all with the data you necessary about this and didn’t know who to ask. Glimpse here, and also you’ll certainly uncover it.
Wonderful goods from you, man. How Much Longer Can The NL Stay Pure? | Armchair Association I have understand your stuff previous to and you are just extremely fantastic. I really like what you’ve acquired here, really like what you’re stating and the way in which you say it. You make it enjoyable and you still care for to keep it wise. I can not wait to read much more from you. This is really a wonderful How Much Longer Can The NL Stay Pure? | Armchair Association informations.
Excellent goods from you, man. How Much Longer Can The NL Stay Pure? | Armchair Association I’ve understand your stuff previous to and you’re just too great. I actually like what you have acquired here, really like what you’re stating and the way in which you say it. You make it enjoyable and you still care for to keep it wise. I can’t wait to read far more from you. This is really a wonderful How Much Longer Can The NL Stay Pure? | Armchair Association informations.
Hello There. I found your blog using msn. This is a very well written article. I will be sure to bookmark it and return to read more of How Much Longer Can The NL Stay Pure? | Armchair Association . Thanks for the post. I’ll certainly comeback.
How Much Longer Can The NL Stay Pure? | Armchair Association I was suggested this website by my cousin. I’m not sure whether this post is written by him as no one else know such detailed about my difficulty. You’re amazing! Thanks! your article about How Much Longer Can The NL Stay Pure? | Armchair Association Best Regards Cassetta Cindy
How Much Longer Can The NL Stay Pure? | Armchair Association I was suggested this web site by my cousin. I’m not sure whether this post is written by him as nobody else know such detailed about my problem. You are amazing! Thanks! your article about How Much Longer Can The NL Stay Pure? | Armchair AssociationBest Regards SchaadAndy
This is the penalise How Much Longer Can The NL Stay Pure? | Armchair Association diary for anyone who wants to essay out out about this substance. You attending so more its near effortful to present with you (not that I truly would want…HaHa). You definitely put a new stunting on a content thats been handwritten near for age. Squeamish whatsis, simply enthusiastic!
I got what you signify, thanks for swing up. Woh I am pleased to label this website through google. Thanks For Share How Much Longer Can The NL Stay Pure? | Armchair Association.
Wonderful goods from you, man. How Much Longer Can The NL Stay Pure? | Armchair Association I have understand your stuff previous to and you’re just extremely great. I really like what you’ve acquired here, certainly like what you’re saying and the way in which you say it. You make it entertaining and you still take care of to keep it wise. I cant wait to read far more from you. This is actually a tremendous How Much Longer Can The NL Stay Pure? | Armchair Association informations.
Magnificent goods from you, man. How Much Longer Can The NL Stay Pure? | Armchair Association I have understand your stuff previous to and you are just too fantastic. I really like what you have acquired here, really like what you’re stating and the way in which you say it. You make it enjoyable and you still care for to keep it wise. I can’t wait to read much more from you. This is really a terrific How Much Longer Can The NL Stay Pure? | Armchair Association informations.
How Much Longer Can The NL Stay Pure? | Armchair Association I was recommended this web site by my cousin. I am not sure whether this post is written by him as nobody else know such detailed about my problem. You are wonderful! Thanks! your article about How Much Longer Can The NL Stay Pure? | Armchair Association Best Regards Justin Lisa
Excellent goods from you, man. How Much Longer Can The NL Stay Pure? | Armchair Association I have understand your stuff previous to and you’re just extremely wonderful. I actually like what you have acquired here, really like what you’re stating and the way in which you say it. You make it entertaining and you still care for to keep it smart. I can not wait to read far more from you. This is really a great How Much Longer Can The NL Stay Pure? | Armchair Association informations.
Wonderful goods from you, man. How Much Longer Can The NL Stay Pure? | Armchair Association I have understand your stuff previous to and you’re just extremely great. I actually like what you’ve acquired here, really like what you’re saying and the way in which you say it. You make it enjoyable and you still care for to keep it wise. I can not wait to read far more from you. This is really a wonderful How Much Longer Can The NL Stay Pure? | Armchair Association informations.
How Much Longer Can The NL Stay Pure? | Armchair Association I was suggested this web site by my cousin. I’m not sure whether this post is written by him as nobody else know such detailed about my problem. You’re incredible! Thanks! your article about How Much Longer Can The NL Stay Pure? | Armchair Association Best Regards Yoder Veronica
Wonderful goods from you, man. How Much Longer Can The NL Stay Pure? | Armchair Association I’ve understand your stuff previous to and you’re just extremely wonderful. I actually like what you’ve acquired here, really like what you are saying and the way in which you say it. You make it entertaining and you still take care of to keep it sensible. I can’t wait to read far more from you. This is actually a tremendous How Much Longer Can The NL Stay Pure? | Armchair Association informations.
Fantastic goods from you, man. How Much Longer Can The NL Stay Pure? | Armchair Association I have understand your stuff previous to and you’re just extremely fantastic. I really like what you have acquired here, really like what you’re stating and the way in which you say it. You make it entertaining and you still take care of to keep it smart. I cant wait to read far more from you. This is actually a wonderful How Much Longer Can The NL Stay Pure? | Armchair Association informations.
An exciting communicating is couturier report. I believe that you should create more on this content, it might not be a inhibition topic but generally people are not enough to mouth on much topics. To the next. Cheers like your How Much Longer Can The NL Stay Pure? | Armchair Association.
An exciting speech is designer note. I reckon that you should create statesman on this subject, it mightiness not be a bias case but mostly people are not sufficiency to utter on such topics. To the next. Cheers like your How Much Longer Can The NL Stay Pure? | Armchair Association.
This is the exact How Much Longer Can The NL Stay Pure? | Armchair Association diary for anyone who wants to act out out almost this issue. You mark so such its most exhausting to represent with you (not that I rattling would want…HaHa). You definitely put a new acrobatics on a content thats been typed roughly for years. Squeamish meaninglessness, but enthusiastic!
I came across this great from you out of sheer luck and never think lucky enough to say also credit you for any job properly done.
Wow! Finally I got a web site from where I can actually obtain useful facts regarding my study and knowledge.
Fantastic goods from you, man. How Much Longer Can The NL Stay Pure? | Armchair Association I’ve understand your stuff previous to and you’re just too excellent. I really like what you’ve acquired here, certainly like what you are stating and the way in which you say it. You make it enjoyable and you still care for to keep it smart. I can’t wait to read far more from you. This is really a terrific How Much Longer Can The NL Stay Pure? | Armchair Association informations.
An stimulating speech is designer observe. I cogitate that you should indite statesman on this theme, it might not be a preconception individual but generally grouping are not enough to verbalise on such topics. To the next. Cheers like your How Much Longer Can The NL Stay Pure? | Armchair Association.
An interesting communication is couturier account. I cerebrate that you should correspond many on this subject, it mightiness not be a inhibition master but mostly people are not enough to talk on much topics. To the next. Cheers like your How Much Longer Can The NL Stay Pure? | Armchair Association.
Wonderful goods from you, man. How Much Longer Can The NL Stay Pure? | Armchair Association I’ve understand your stuff previous to and you’re just extremely wonderful. I actually like what you’ve acquired here, really like what you’re saying and the way in which you say it. You make it enjoyable and you still take care of to keep it wise. I can not wait to read much more from you. This is really a wonderful How Much Longer Can The NL Stay Pure? | Armchair Association informations.
Wonderful goods from you, man. How Much Longer Can The NL Stay Pure? | Armchair Association I have understand your stuff previous to and you are just extremely fantastic. I actually like what you have acquired here, certainly like what you are stating and the way in which you say it. You make it entertaining and you still take care of to keep it smart. I cant wait to read far more from you. This is really a terrific How Much Longer Can The NL Stay Pure? | Armchair Association informations.
Excellent goods from you, man. How Much Longer Can The NL Stay Pure? | Armchair Association I’ve understand your stuff previous to and you’re just extremely wonderful. I actually like what you have acquired here, really like what you are saying and the way in which you say it. You make it enjoyable and you still care for to keep it sensible. I can’t wait to read much more from you. This is really a wonderful How Much Longer Can The NL Stay Pure? | Armchair Association informations.
Magnificent goods from you, man. How Much Longer Can The NL Stay Pure? | Armchair Association I’ve understand your stuff previous to and you’re just extremely excellent. I actually like what you have acquired here, certainly like what you’re stating and the way in which you say it. You make it entertaining and you still take care of to keep it sensible. I can’t wait to read far more from you. This is really a tremendous How Much Longer Can The NL Stay Pure? | Armchair Association informations.
There is noticeably a bundle to find out about this. I assume you made certain nice factors in options also.
Fantastic goods from you, man. How Much Longer Can The NL Stay Pure? | Armchair Association I’ve understand your stuff previous to and you’re just too great. I really like what you’ve acquired here, certainly like what you are stating and the way in which you say it. You make it enjoyable and you still take care of to keep it wise. I can’t wait to read much more from you. This is really a wonderful How Much Longer Can The NL Stay Pure? | Armchair Association informations.
Amazing YouTube video lessons posted at this website, I am going to subscribe for daily updates, as I don’t wish for to fail to take this series.
Wonderful goods from you, man. How Much Longer Can The NL Stay Pure? | Armchair Association I have understand your stuff previous to and you’re just extremely magnificent. I really like what you have acquired here, really like what you are stating and the way in which you say it. You make it enjoyable and you still care for to keep it wise. I can not wait to read much more from you. This is really a wonderful How Much Longer Can The NL Stay Pure? | Armchair Association informations.
An intriguing communicating is designer interpret. I expect that you should write writer on this issue, it strength not be a sacred topic but generally fill are not sufficiency to mouth on specified topics. To the next. Cheers like your How Much Longer Can The NL Stay Pure? | Armchair Association.
Fantastic goods from you, man. How Much Longer Can The NL Stay Pure? | Armchair Association I’ve understand your stuff previous to and you’re just too fantastic. I actually like what you’ve acquired here, really like what you are saying and the way in which you say it. You make it enjoyable and you still take care of to keep it smart. I cant wait to read much more from you. This is actually a terrific How Much Longer Can The NL Stay Pure? | Armchair Association informations.
An interesting word is couturier observe. I consider that you should indite many on this content, it strength not be a prejudice content but generally group are not sufficiency to utter on such topics. To the succeeding. Cheers like your How Much Longer Can The NL Stay Pure? | Armchair Association.
An intriguing word is designer notice. I cogitate that you should make more on this topic, it mightiness not be a taboo soul but generally group are not enough to verbalise on much topics. To the succeeding. Cheers like your How Much Longer Can The NL Stay Pure? | Armchair Association.
An intriguing communicating is worth remark. I anticipate that you should indite many on this matter, it might not be a bias person but generally people are not sufficiency to talk on much topics. To the succeeding. Cheers like your How Much Longer Can The NL Stay Pure? | Armchair Association.
There is noticeably a bundle to realize about this. I assume you made various good points in features also.
Thank you for another informative web site. Where else could I get that kind of information written in such a perfect way? I have a project that I’m just now working on, and I have been on the look out for such info.