Few rules in baseball history have ignited as much debate as the designated hitter (DH) rule. Introduced by the American League in 1973, this rule allowed teams to use a player to bat in place of the pitcher, fundamentally changing the game’s dynamics.
The idea was to boost batting numbers and fan attendance, giving pitchers the chance to focus solely on their pitching duties.
Fast forward to 2022, and the Major League Baseball Commissioner announced the extension of the DH rule to the National League. This move aimed to create uniformity across both leagues and potentially enhance the overall excitement of the game.