How about pitcher is on the batting team, each batter gets only one pitch, a miss, or a hit out of play would be an out (including what is currently a home run). That would speed it up and involve more of the players in the game.
Less reliance on power. Triples are harder than home runs and require more speed and athleticism. I’d like to see clear over-the-fence hits be ground rule triples while inside the park triples get awarded home plate. That’d raise the tension on hits down the right field line.
Baseball needs the designated runner. He stands besides the designated hitter and runs for him. There’s nothing in the term “designated hitter” that suggests he should also run.
When I played pickup baseball with friends we had the four fouls and you’re out rule. We also had a bit of a mean streak at times and played “kill the pig.” Player was out if you fielded the ball and hit them when they were running to first base.
Who cares about speeding up this beautiful game? How about shorter commercial breaks? And get rid of the distracting holograms behind the plate and ugly signs spoiling the view of the parks. Yah, I know, it’s all about money!
There’s already a game where there’s no such thing as a foul ball no matter where you hit it: Cricket. In fact, you can score runs if you tick it past the catcher (wicketkeeper) because you’re batting in the middle of the field and every time the ball’s hit, it’s live.
I love baseball but cricket’s a great game, too, with hundreds of runs typically scored every game. World Cup going on right now Down Under.
One of my all-time favorite Mad Magazine parodies was “Basebrawl”, with the balls being cannon balls, the infield having quicksand and crocodiles and things. Wish I could find it but it’s buried deep in my collection of old stuff in the basement! Does anybody else remember that one?
Find a group that does vintage base ball in your community – under the rules of the 1860’s-1870s, the cranks (fans) were part of the field of play. We’ve had ames were a spectator caught the ball and would not give it to the fielder, allowing their team to score!
Think the only changes I would make to baseball are eliminating the DH and the Byzantine balk rules. I like the new replay-review, and it has introduced a theoretical “fourth out” play; interesting twist on the old game.
Liverlips McCracken Premium Member over 9 years ago
That’s some quick thinking there, Vicki. Nice save. (Oops, wrong sport)
P51Strega over 9 years ago
How about pitcher is on the batting team, each batter gets only one pitch, a miss, or a hit out of play would be an out (including what is currently a home run). That would speed it up and involve more of the players in the game.
wallylm over 9 years ago
Less reliance on power. Triples are harder than home runs and require more speed and athleticism. I’d like to see clear over-the-fence hits be ground rule triples while inside the park triples get awarded home plate. That’d raise the tension on hits down the right field line.
StCleve72 over 9 years ago
Baseball needs the designated runner. He stands besides the designated hitter and runs for him. There’s nothing in the term “designated hitter” that suggests he should also run.
sarah413 Premium Member over 9 years ago
When I played pickup baseball with friends we had the four fouls and you’re out rule. We also had a bit of a mean streak at times and played “kill the pig.” Player was out if you fielded the ball and hit them when they were running to first base.
zippykatz over 9 years ago
Who cares about speeding up this beautiful game? How about shorter commercial breaks? And get rid of the distracting holograms behind the plate and ugly signs spoiling the view of the parks. Yah, I know, it’s all about money!
Guilty Bystander over 9 years ago
There’s already a game where there’s no such thing as a foul ball no matter where you hit it: Cricket. In fact, you can score runs if you tick it past the catcher (wicketkeeper) because you’re batting in the middle of the field and every time the ball’s hit, it’s live.
I love baseball but cricket’s a great game, too, with hundreds of runs typically scored every game. World Cup going on right now Down Under.
Retired Dude over 9 years ago
All of these are great ideas. And . . . wait for it . . . with faster games every day could be a double header.
Godfreydaniel over 9 years ago
One of my all-time favorite Mad Magazine parodies was “Basebrawl”, with the balls being cannon balls, the infield having quicksand and crocodiles and things. Wish I could find it but it’s buried deep in my collection of old stuff in the basement! Does anybody else remember that one?
ajr58 over 9 years ago
Find a group that does vintage base ball in your community – under the rules of the 1860’s-1870s, the cranks (fans) were part of the field of play. We’ve had ames were a spectator caught the ball and would not give it to the fielder, allowing their team to score!
braindead Premium Member over 9 years ago
Just make every foul a strike. That would allow more time for commercials — that IS the point of every speed up rule, right?
jbmlaw01 over 9 years ago
Think the only changes I would make to baseball are eliminating the DH and the Byzantine balk rules. I like the new replay-review, and it has introduced a theoretical “fourth out” play; interesting twist on the old game.