Press "Enter" to skip to content

One on One: Should the MLB keep their new rule changes?

In with the old, out with the new

by Skye Gillespie

“Take me out to the ballgame,” sings the whole crowd in unison. This, however, is not always the case now. 

Major League Baseball’s current format for doubleheaders – with each game limited to seven innings – means the seventh inning stretch may no longer even happen during twinbills. 

Gone are the days where MLB games go well beyond the four-hour mark. The new extra-innings rule makes that very hard as well.

If you have not watched a professional baseball game in some time, you may wonder how that runner got on second base during extra innings. You may also be wondering why some games have ended after the seventh inning. This is the new normal for baseball, but hopefully not for long. 

MLB and its commissioner Rob Manfred opted to implement these rules, and used COVID-19 as its reason to do so. Some fans think Manfred just wants to speed up the game, and baseball fans across the country have expressed their displeasure. 

I personally do not have a problem with the seven-inning double headers, but I do hate seeing the game of baseball change. My real concern is with the extra innings rule, which has no place in baseball.

Imagine a team makes a huge comeback and sends the game into extra innings. They have all the momentum in the world. The top of the 10th inning rolls around, and the opposing team hits a single and scores one lone run. All that momentum is gone in the blink of an eye.  

I understand adopting change in light of today’s world. COVID-19 has taken a lot from us, but it will not take away baseball. Rob Manfred, get rid of these rules, and please stop changing the game. 

MLB should not change the new rules

by Courtney White

It would be a bad decision for MLB to rescind the extra innings rule and seven-inning doubleheader rule that was introduced last year. 

Both rules add to fans’ enjoyment of the game and sharpen the play of the players. When games go to extra innings, a runner automatically starts on second for the batting team, adding extra pressure to the pitcher and batter. 

If the pitcher gives up a hit, the runner could easily score. The added intensity makes the game more exciting and demands excellence on the field by all players.  

I also enjoy the seven-inning doubleheader games. Playing doubleheaders is very difficult on players and coaches, especially the pitching staff. A manager needs to have two starting pitchers and ensure that the relievers are prepared for both games. Likewise, each player needs to prepare for multiple pitchers in one day and have the stamina to play 14 innings of baseball. 

Doubleheaders are difficult enough, and the extended innings make it more likely for a player to get hurt. By shortening games, players are expected to play less so they have more time to recover and lessen the risk for injury.  

Both rules were introduced to shorten baseball games, and I believe they are succeeding in doing so by making the games more enjoyable and intense.  

Copyright © 2023, The Scout, Bradley University. All rights reserved.
The Scout is published by members of the student body of Bradley University. Opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect those of the University.