The History of Pitchers Hitting in Major League Baseball
Pitchers hitting in Major League Baseball (MLB) dates back to the late 19th and early 20th centuries, when all players, including pitchers, were expected to bat. Iconic figures like Cy Young and Walter Johnson contributed to their teams both on the mound and at the plate. This dual role required pitchers to be versatile athletes, skilled in both pitching and hitting.
In 1973, the American League introduced the Designated Hitter (DH) rule, allowing teams to use a DH in place of the pitcher, while the National League retained the tradition of pitchers hitting. This added a unique strategic element to the game, with memorable moments like Babe Ruth's early career as a two-way player and unexpected home runs by pitchers like Madison Bumgarner and Bartolo Colón.
The universal DH rule, implemented permanently in 2022, marked the end of pitchers hitting in MLB. This change aimed to increase offensive output and reduce injuries but also eliminated a cherished aspect of the game. The call to "Make Pitchers Hit Again" celebrates the game's rich history and the thrill of pitchers contributing on both sides of the ball, honoring the skill, strategy, and excitement that defined baseball for generations.
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