The 2023 season of Major League Baseball (MLB) has seen a drastic change in how the games have been played. In order to reduce the game time and make the matches more interesting, the organization implied some new rules – most notably the pitch clock rule. This newly introduced rule has seen a lot of debates and has been the talking point of controversy.
However the effect of this rule has been clearly observed on the playing field with games taking a less significant time. The rule implies that the pitcher has 15 seconds to deliver the pitch with nobody on base and 20 seconds if runners are available. The clock also has an effect on the batters. They are required to be present in the box with at-least eight seconds.
Players found to be violating this pitch clock rule are charged with respective punishments. According to official stats and reports, the game time of a match has been reduced by an average of half-an hour.
As per reports from FanSided, an average baseball game of nine innings lasting around two hours and thirty-eight minutes in 2023. Comparing this to 2022, where a game lasted over three hours and five minutes, is a significant reduction. This has made the games go faster and is said to have brought up viewership numbers.
Related: Kenley Jansen EXPOSES the dark side of MLB’s pitch clock
Pitch-clock rule has received mixed reactions from baseball fanatics
A drastic change such as this was definitely going to face reactions. The pitch clock rule has so far seen mixed reactions being thrown at it. While the players have expressed their concern, fans, and experts have shown different reactions.
Some have lauded the changes made by the MLB, some have hoped for baseball games to go faster. Others have criticized this rule as the fast movement of play has resulted in some injuries and ruining of special moments.
While Cody Bellinger was penalized for breaking this rule for taking in the appreciation by Dodgers fans, Teoscar Hernandez was spared for this. Why so? This is due to the fact that the MLB introduced another new rule. The organization now requires teams to apply for a special request if the player is expected to get a standing ovation.
It is certain that it will take a while for everyone to adjust to this “new normal“. There is no denying that the MLB got what they wished or hoped for. Will this take a major toll on players as the season progress remains to be seen. One thing for sure is that this rule is not going to be replaced, so the number of shorter ballgames is now expected to be increased.
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