Baseball's New Rules

Vendors Russell Adams, John Hagan and Donald Morris chat about the world of sports with Executive Assistant Patrick Edwards.

Russ: Hello, guys. I think the new rules help speed up the game big-time. In the past, games would last 3+ hours; now, 2 ½ hours. A huge difference. Now, the pitcher must quickly pitch the ball; back in the day, a pitcher would step off the mound, walk around in circles, spit, slowly get back on the mound—one pitch could last 5 minutes! So, I like the new rules to speed up the game. As far as the ghost runner, which is a runner that’s placed on second base to begin an extra inning, all that’s needed is to bunt him over to third; now all that’s needed is a hit, or wild pitch, perhaps a sacrifice fly.

Donald: Listen, it’s hard enough to watch a full game at home, let alone sit out in the elements in tiny seats and either blistering heat or cold rain on some days. So, I’m definitely into the sped-up game.

John: I am as well. I believe the changes are having a very positive effect on baseball. I was riding the CTA Red Line and knew that the Texas Rangers were visiting our Chicago Cubs. It was about 3:40 p.m., and the Cubs had already won a game that started at 1:20 p.m. If this were previous years, the game would’ve lasted until 5 p.m.

Patrick: That’s definitely one of my peeves, even though I remember some of those way-back Cubs games with the Daily Double, Jody Davis, Shawon Dunston, Larry Bowa, etc., lasting forever— and I remember not wanting the games to end. However, on average, I always want a tight, under-3 hours game.

John: You know, the two biggest game changers are the pitch clock and the updated “shift rule.” Russell, you mentioned the pitch clock, and I agree with you that it works. The pitcher must get rid of the ball in 30 seconds or less; this keeps the infielders and outfielders on their toes at all times. Plus, it creates more action at a constant pace, which helps a lot, especially on bad weather days. And, then, there’s the shift rule.

Donald: Now, I missed hearing about the shift-rule changes, but I can dig it.

Russ: Yeah, I’m behind the shift-rule being adjustment. If a ball’s hit out there, sometimes an outfielder—already or shift-created—can throw out the hitter at first.

Patrick: Did the old shift hinder drastically many players? Were there any players that it wouldn’t’ve worked with?

Russ: Well, first know that the new rule sets the team back a little in its movement. Its primary intent is to increase the batting average on balls in play. So, the four infielders must be split into 2 sets of two on opposite sides of second. Once the ball leaves the pitcher’s hands, it’s fair game. But, yeah, a few who were “better” than the old defensive shift: Ted Williams, Tony Gwynn—

John: Barry Bonds. Russ: Yes, and there’re a few others out there who were or are good enough hitters, who were better than any shift— especially one that incorporates scrambling at the last second.

Patrick: Any last words, team?

John: Let me say that the ghost runner rule only applies in the regular season, and not the postseason. I’m cool with this.

Donald: I like the old-school way of playing the game of baseball, but I’m okay with all the changes.

Russ: Plain and simple, the game is better. Quicker.

Patrick: Agreed. And if anyone wants to learn more about the MLB rule changes/ updates, please visit: https:// www.mlb.com/news/mlb2023-rule-changes-pitch-timerlarger-bases-shifts

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