The MLB has implemented new rules in order to speed up the game of baseball. They have
added a pitch clock timer in between each pitch. They implemented this rule in 2018 in the
Minor Leagues as an experiment to see how much time it would actually shave off a 9-inning baseball game. The average baseball game length is 3 hours and 3 minutes. Last Season in the Minors, they were saving an average of 25 minutes.
Baseball has been losing fans very quickly over the years. People complain that the sport is too long and drawn out. They also complain that the sport does not have as much action as other sports. This is a very valid argument made by many fans and non-fans.
This new addition to the game has already stirred up some controversial plays and it is only spring training. Manny Machado was the first player in the history of the game to start his at-bat with a 0-1 count (one strike). Many of the players in the league have displayed and spoken out about their dislike for the new rule, especially those who have been in the league for several years. Manny Machado said after that game “I might be down 0-1 a lot this year”. An even more bizarre event that happened is a game between the Red Sox and the Braves, The game was tied in the bottom of the Ninth, with two outs, a 3-2 count, and a tie. However, the inning ended because the batter did not enter the box in the allotted amount of time. That batter was quoted saying “Respectfully, F$%# the pitch clock”.
The Pitch Clock is something the fans are gonna have to get used to. It is here to stay. Intended on speeding up the game some are worried about the natural flow of the game and fear it will affect the game in a negative way by increasing the possibility of pooer play. But it is very clear that it has already sparked some new light into the game.
MLB | Pitch Clock First Look
Is The Pitch Clock Good For Baseball?
