OT - What's Wrong With Baseball? Could the Game Be Improved?

[Butch7999]

No domes. Open-air ballparks only.
No artificial turf. Real grass only.
No tediously long commercial breaks. One minute maximum between each half-inning except the 7th.
No Major League teams in Florida or Arizona. Those states are for spring training. Support your minor-league team.
No view-obscuring netting around the whole damn ballpark. Get off the cellphone and pay attention to the game.
No DHs. Pitchers learn to hit or get pulled for a PH. Nobody pitches more than three innings at time now anyways.
No extended warm-ups for relief pitchers. Three-pitch warm-up limit after entering game from bullpen.
No yard-wide strike zone. If it ain't over the plate it ain't a strike.
No pajama pants. Sanis and stirrups for everybody.
No gloves bigger than a bushel basket. Ten-inch limit on all gloves and mitts.
No Duck Dynasty beards, no billygoat beardlets, no Wall Street yuppie stubble. Moustaches and sideburns of any size or style okay.
No bat-flipping. Flip a bat after getting a hit and an opponent is allowed to throw a bat at you from ten feet away.
No sushi, champagne, kale, calamari, wine coolers, or any of that trendy crap at the concessions.
Hot dogs, burgers, pizza, beef on weck, nachos, popcorn, pretzels, beer, and cola only, all priced reasonably.

----------------------------------------

Upon further review (one day later):
Forgot to add three things to our original post -- "No regular-season interleague play," as many others have since said;
and "No extra charge for scorecard and pencil -- both are freebies with purchase of reasonably-priced game programme;"
and we left "Ice cream" off our list of of acceptable concession items, preferably the flavourless little styrofoam-pellet ice cream
served in those little plastic collectible souvenir batting helmets.

[Tabe]

Originally Posted by Butch7999

No view-obscuring netting around the whole damn ballpark. Get off the cellphone and pay attention to the game.

I'll never understand this line of reasoning. You ever heard anybody that sits behind home plate say "Man, I wish there was no net here because it just messes up the view"? Of course not. Because it doesn't. I watch 35 games a year from directly behind home and the net "isn't even there". No one even sees it 5 minutes after sitting down.

And the "get off the cellphone" thing? Seriously? As if no one ever got hit by a line drive before cellphones?

We see coaches get hit by line drives on occasion. We see players in the dugouts get hit on occasion. We see pitchers - who are farther away than some fans - hit all the time. It's simply not realistic, nor reasonable, to expect every single fan to have a laser-like focus for every single pitch of a 3-1/2 hour game so that they might see a baseball rocketing toward them at 110mph AND have time to process that and react to it.

Put me in the "netting all the way to the foul poles" crowd. It will have literally zero impact on fan enjoyment and may actually increase it. Believe me, it's nice to not worry that turning your head for half a second could cost you your life.

And if you think we shouldn't have netting because it impacts the view, then remove it behind home plate, too.

[1952boyntoncollector]

NL no hitters are not to be worth as much as AL no hitter

Getting 3 homers and a double is to be more celebrated than hitting for the cycle.

Closers dont belong into the HOF but for maybe Mariono Rivera

[Tabe]

How would I change baseball if I were named all-powerful commissioner?

1) First thing I'd do? Give Armando Galarraga his perfect game. Unbelievable that this hasn't been corrected already.

2) Netting all the way to the foul poles (see above).

3) Visits to the mound by the catcher or other players count as an official visit. Pitcher must face at least 2 hitters (including current batter) after an official visit.

4) 4 tosses to 1st base per runner. After that, a throw over gets the runner awarded second base.

5) Pitchers get X number of seconds to enter a game, warm up, and throw their first pitch. Maybe 60. No strict warmup pitch limit. So guys who want more pitches can hustle to the mound faster.

6) Pitching changes from the dugout - no visits.

7) After the previous hitter is retired, the next hitter has 10 seconds to be in the box ready to hit. This is one of the biggest changes over the last several decades. Used to be guys were sitting there waiting to hit while the infield went "around the horn" after a groundout. Now there's a big delay all the time.

8) All pitchers must face at least 2 hitters when brought into the game. I'm flexible on this - could be 3 hitters or some other number.

9) Pitch clock displayed in the ballpark and strictly enforced. First couple times, a ball/strike is awarded. 3rd time, player is ejected.

10) 20-game suspensions for any player leaving his position during a brawl between two other players. 50 games for any player leaving the dugout/bullpen/on-deck. $2m fine for a team, per player, for anybody suspended under these rules.

11) Get rid of the DH.

12) If a batter swings and misses and loses control of his bat, he's automatically out.

13) Get rid of walk-up music for hitters and pitchers.

14) Go back to 2 divisions and ditch the wild card and 1-game play-in.

15) 150-game season.

That's a start.

[angolajones]

I would have players have to stay with the same team for a long period of time.

[frankbmd]

Originally Posted by Tabe

I'll never understand this line of reasoning. You ever heard anybody that sits behind home plate say "Man, I wish there was no net here because it just messes up the view"? Of course not. Because it doesn't. I watch 35 games a year from directly behind home and the net "isn't even there". No one even sees it 5 minutes after sitting down.

And the "get off the cellphone" thing? Seriously? As if no one ever got hit by a line drive before cellphones?

We see coaches get hit by line drives on occasion. We see players in the dugouts get hit on occasion. We see pitchers - who are farther away than some fans - hit all the time. It's simply not realistic, nor reasonable, to expect every single fan to have a laser-like focus for every single pitch of a 3-1/2 hour game so that they might see a baseball rocketing toward them at 110mph AND have time to process that and react to it.

Put me in the "netting all the way to the foul poles" crowd. It will have literally zero impact on fan enjoyment and may actually increase it. Believe me, it's nice to not worry that turning your head for half a second could cost you your life.

And if you think we shouldn't have netting because it impacts the view, then remove it behind home plate, too.

Originally Posted by Tabe

How would I change baseball if I were named all-powerful commissioner?

1) First thing I'd do? Give Armando Galarraga his perfect game. Unbelievable that this hasn't been corrected already.

2) Netting all the way to the foul poles (see above).

3) Visits to the mound by the catcher or other players count as an official visit. Pitcher must face at least 2 hitters (including current batter) after an official visit.

4) 4 tosses to 1st base per runner. After that, a throw over gets the runner awarded second base.

5) Pitchers get X number of seconds to enter a game, warm up, and throw their first pitch. Maybe 60. No strict warmup pitch limit. So guys who want more pitches can hustle to the mound faster.

6) Pitching changes from the dugout - no visits.

7) After the previous hitter is retired, the next hitter has 10 seconds to be in the box ready to hit. This is one of the biggest changes over the last several decades. Used to be guys were sitting there waiting to hit while the infield went "around the horn" after a groundout. Now there's a big delay all the time.

8) All pitchers must face at least 2 hitters when brought into the game. I'm flexible on this - could be 3 hitters or some other number.

9) Pitch clock displayed in the ballpark and strictly enforced. First couple times, a ball/strike is awarded. 3rd time, player is ejected.

10) 20-game suspensions for any player leaving his position during a brawl between two other players. 50 games for any player leaving the dugout/bullpen/on-deck. $2m fine for a team, per player, for anybody suspended under these rules.

11) Get rid of the DH.

12) If a batter swings and misses and loses control of his bat, he's automatically out.

13) Get rid of walk-up music for hitters and pitchers.

14) Go back to 2 divisions and ditch the wild card and 1-game play-in.

15) 150-game season.

That's a start.

Just scratching the surface, eh?, Chris

[frankbmd]

Originally Posted by Tabe

I'll never understand this line of reasoning. You ever heard anybody that sits behind home plate say "Man, I wish there was no net here because it just messes up the view"? Of course not. Because it doesn't. I watch 35 games a year from directly behind home and the net "isn't even there". No one even sees it 5 minutes after sitting down.

And the "get off the cellphone" thing? Seriously? As if no one ever got hit by a line drive before cellphones?

We see coaches get hit by line drives on occasion. We see players in the dugouts get hit on occasion. We see pitchers - who are farther away than some fans - hit all the time. It's simply not realistic, nor reasonable, to expect every single fan to have a laser-like focus for every single pitch of a 3-1/2 hour game so that they might see a baseball rocketing toward them at 110mph AND have time to process that and react to it.

Put me in the "netting all the way to the foul poles" crowd. It will have literally zero impact on fan enjoyment and may actually increase it. Believe me, it's nice to not worry that turning your head for half a second could cost you your life.

And if you think we shouldn't have netting because it impacts the view, then remove it behind home plate, too.

Originally Posted by Tabe

How would I change baseball if I were named all-powerful commissioner?

1) First thing I'd do? Give Armando Galarraga his perfect game. Unbelievable that this hasn't been corrected already.

2) Netting all the way to the foul poles (see above).

3) Visits to the mound by the catcher or other players count as an official visit. Pitcher must face at least 2 hitters (including current batter) after an official visit.

4) 4 tosses to 1st base per runner. After that, a throw over gets the runner awarded second base.

5) Pitchers get X number of seconds to enter a game, warm up, and throw their first pitch. Maybe 60. No strict warmup pitch limit. So guys who want more pitches can hustle to the mound faster.

6) Pitching changes from the dugout - no visits.

7) After the previous hitter is retired, the next hitter has 10 seconds to be in the box ready to hit. This is one of the biggest changes over the last several decades. Used to be guys were sitting there waiting to hit while the infield went "around the horn" after a groundout. Now there's a big delay all the time.

8) All pitchers must face at least 2 hitters when brought into the game. I'm flexible on this - could be 3 hitters or some other number.

9) Pitch clock displayed in the ballpark and strictly enforced. First couple times, a ball/strike is awarded. 3rd time, player is ejected.

10) 20-game suspensions for any player leaving his position during a brawl between two other players. 50 games for any player leaving the dugout/bullpen/on-deck. $2m fine for a team, per player, for anybody suspended under these rules.

11) Get rid of the DH.

12) If a batter swings and misses and loses control of his bat, he's automatically out.

13) Get rid of walk-up music for hitters and pitchers.

14) Go back to 2 divisions and ditch the wild card and 1-game play-in.

15) 150-game season.

That's a start.

Just scratching the surface, eh?, Chris

[Al C.risafulli]

Man, I do love baseball. I have no problem with most of the developments in the game over the years. I think 75 million tickets sold are a pretty good indication that MLB is doing all right.

That said, I'd be happy to see the following:

-Eliminate instant replay
-Bring back intentional walks
-Bring back the neighborhood play
-Bring back blocking home plate
-Stop trying to shorten the game. It has no clock, it's beautiful.
-Anyone who discusses placing an automatic baserunner on second to begin each inning after the 9th will be automatically fired
-More doubleheaders in exchange for adding one roster spot
-Get rid of single-game playoffs except in the event of a tie in the standings
-Kids get to run the bases at the end of each game
-Players sign autographs for kids before batting practice

That's about all I'd change. Nothing fundamental to the game.

-Al

[MooseDog]

Ok, I made it through all nine pages and no one brought this up. One of the things I think we all love in baseball is the cozy new stadiums. A big factor to long games could be due to the tiny foul territory in the new stadiums.

I grew up with the 1970s Oakland A's. They had starting pitchers who worked very fast (check out a Catfish Hunter or Vida Blue video some time...about 5 seconds between pitches), threw strikes, and won a lot of 2-1 and 3-1 games, and though my memory is foggy after all these years, games rarely went over 3 hours.

I think one of the big factors is that the foul territory at the O-co is HUGE. Just about any foul pop up is going to be an out.

One suggestion, empower an off-field umpire to make and correct calls via a phone/radio in the ear of the home plate umpire...let's get rid of the conference around the video monitor.

[drmondobueno]

Forget the regular season. Who watches or can afford to go to the ballpark these days. Go straight to the playoffs.

Shoud be able to get three or four seasons done in a calendar year.

And change ESPN's name to the ESPNBA.

Wutup, Frank?

[Butch7999]

We didn't say "no netting anywhere in the ballpark." Obviously it's a must behind the plate and
for some distance up the baselines.
We said "no netting all around the ballpark" -- granted, we should've worded that "no netting
beyond the infield," where it's a needless distraction and every bit as headache-inducing as Ben suggested.

Frank, when you recommended the elimination of "concrete donuts," did you mean stale confections
or 1970s stadia?

[Tabe]

Originally Posted by Butch7999

We didn't say "no netting anywhere in the ballpark." Obviously it's a must behind the plate and
for some distance up the baselines.
We said "no netting all around the ballpark" -- granted, we should've worded that "no netting
beyond the infield," where it's a needless distraction and every bit as headache-inducing as Ben suggested.

My point was that netting is not the visual distraction its detractors claim. People sit behind home plate all the time with no issues. I'll take you at your word that you find netting headache-inducing but know that you're in a really, really, really small minority that have that reaction.

And you just said nothing beyond the infield, meaning you'd be amenable to have all the way to the end of the infield - a significant increase over what we currently have. I'd take that as a first step.

Was at a game tonight and watched a guy foul a rocket into the stands. It hit an empty seat but there would have been just about zero chance for a fan to move out of the way had somebody been sitting in that particular seat. It's nonsense to think that a fan getting hit by a foul ball is 100% the fan's fault 100% of the time. So put up a net. People will get used to it in no time.

[timzcardz]

I understand the whole "prime time" thing for advertising dollars during the Playoffs/WS and including the prime time on both coasts, but for goodness sake, and the future of the game's fan base, at least play the weekend games during the afternoon/early evening when young kids can watch them and gain an appreciation as they grow up.

In all honesty, when the games don't start until 8-8:30 east coast time, it's even too late for me when I have to go to work the next morning.

[Tabe]

Originally Posted by frankbmd

Just scratching the surface, eh?, Chris

Yeah, something like that

[bnorth]

Originally Posted by Tabe

I'll never understand this line of reasoning. You ever heard anybody that sits behind home plate say "Man, I wish there was no net here because it just messes up the view"? Of course not. Because it doesn't. I watch 35 games a year from directly behind home and the net "isn't even there". No one even sees it 5 minutes after sitting down.

And the "get off the cellphone" thing? Seriously? As if no one ever got hit by a line drive before cellphones?

We see coaches get hit by line drives on occasion. We see players in the dugouts get hit on occasion. We see pitchers - who are farther away than some fans - hit all the time. It's simply not realistic, nor reasonable, to expect every single fan to have a laser-like focus for every single pitch of a 3-1/2 hour game so that they might see a baseball rocketing toward them at 110mph AND have time to process that and react to it.

Put me in the "netting all the way to the foul poles" crowd. It will have literally zero impact on fan enjoyment and may actually increase it. Believe me, it's nice to not worry that turning your head for half a second could cost you your life.

And if you think we shouldn't have netting because it impacts the view, then remove it behind home plate, too.

I like the netting behind home plate. I personally would never set there again. Have tried it a couple times and looking through the net give me a headache.

[steve B]

Originally Posted by Tabe

I'll never understand this line of reasoning. You ever heard anybody that sits behind home plate say "Man, I wish there was no net here because it just messes up the view"? Of course not. Because it doesn't. I watch 35 games a year from directly behind home and the net "isn't even there". No one even sees it 5 minutes after sitting down.

And the "get off the cellphone" thing? Seriously? As if no one ever got hit by a line drive before cellphones?

We see coaches get hit by line drives on occasion. We see players in the dugouts get hit on occasion. We see pitchers - who are farther away than some fans - hit all the time. It's simply not realistic, nor reasonable, to expect every single fan to have a laser-like focus for every single pitch of a 3-1/2 hour game so that they might see a baseball rocketing toward them at 110mph AND have time to process that and react to it.

Put me in the "netting all the way to the foul poles" crowd. It will have literally zero impact on fan enjoyment and may actually increase it. Believe me, it's nice to not worry that turning your head for half a second could cost you your life.

And if you think we shouldn't have netting because it impacts the view, then remove it behind home plate, too.

I only know one place in MLB where fans are closer to the batter than the pitcher.
And there, the net is a really good idea. Sadly I can't afford getting even close to those seats anymore plus they're pretty much all season ticket holders there now.
People were hit with line drives before extended netting, but it was usually not a major problem since they were paying attention and usually at least got an arm up. The ones not paying attention.....Lets just say it's bad luck.

[1952boyntoncollector]

1. Computer calls balls and strikes.

2. Teams play stratomatic in the event of extra innings.

3. If struck by ball, a player shall rub the bruise for at least 10 secs.

4. If can run around the bases in under 8 seconds on a home run you are awarded another run.

5. Bring back pitcher fake to third and look/throw to first.

6. After the first 3 outs in the top of the first inning, announcers will now say
"X team 0 (or more if they scored runs) and the other team '0' instead of coming up to hit..

[steve B]

A few ideas, none of which I expect to get any traction whatsoever

Keep the DH/AL no DH/NL it gives us something to talk about even when the teams are made up entirely of guys we have never heard of.

Go with a designated runner who can be used once a game with no penalty.(The player runs, returns to the bench and the original player stays in the lineup and the designated runner is still available as a sub) The catch is that the opposing team gets to choose which player becomes the runner.

Put Herb Washington into the HOF as a pioneer.

Get rid of the participation medal all star game. If your team doesn't have anyone good enough they need a better farm system or better coaches or better front office, or all of the above.

Eliminate the hitters backdrop. sell the seats, or if the players MUST have music to get out and play, a bandstand with a live band. If the wall is more than 420 at the deepest the bandstand are must be there , and is IN PLAY.

Bring back stuff like the lederhosen wearing people who slid down into a beer mug if the Brewers hit a HR. Maybe make them mandatory? Tampa can use bikini girls (Or whoever, it's 2017 after all, but bikini girls would get my vote)

Bring back Promotions like bat night, ball night, nickel beer night.....especially if they're combined - I do love a promo gone awry, especially if it's a PR disaster.

No indoor ball. It's MLB, not whiffleball or something cooked up for gym class.

Do make new stadiums in coastal cities on a huge turntable. That way no matter the time of the game the field can be rotated to take advantage of the ocean breezes. Teams with weak pitching might opt for "wind always blowing in" ones with stronger hitters might go for "wind always blowing out" No penalty for teams caught rotating the place between innings.

[Tabe]

Originally Posted by steve B

I only know one place in MLB where fans are closer to the batter than the pitcher.
And there, the net is a really good idea. Sadly I can't afford getting even close to those seats anymore plus they're pretty much all season ticket holders there now.
People were hit with line drives before extended netting, but it was usually not a major problem since they were paying attention and usually at least got an arm up. The ones not paying attention.....Lets just say it's bad luck.

Well, the question was "baseball" not "MLB", so I'm including non-MLB stadiums.

And, again, you're back to blaming fans who get hit. What about people who sneeze? What about people who have somebody stand up in front of them and block their view? Or have a kid who demands their attention? Is it REALLY realistic to demand 100% perfect attention to games for every single pitch of the game. Of course not. Is it REALLY reasonable to expect people who are in cramped seating to be able to somehow dodge an incoming missile traveling at 110 mph or more? of course not.

And, let's not pretend that this hasn't already been implemented, without issue, in other places. Japan has been doing pole-to-pole netting for 3 decades. Their ushers blow whistles and point to where balls are going.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZyidtI-uNXw

[frankbmd]

I was ambivalent about the netting issue until I saw the cheerleaders. We have to protect the ladies even if it gives us headaches.

[egri]

I can understand the wanting to end interleague play, but there are currently an odd number of teams in each league. Unless there is a team willing to change leagues, we would need another round of expansion.

[steve B]

Originally Posted by Tabe

Well, the question was "baseball" not "MLB", so I'm including non-MLB stadiums.

And, again, you're back to blaming fans who get hit. What about people who sneeze? What about people who have somebody stand up in front of them and block their view? Or have a kid who demands their attention? Is it REALLY realistic to demand 100% perfect attention to games for every single pitch of the game. Of course not. Is it REALLY reasonable to expect people who are in cramped seating to be able to somehow dodge an incoming missile traveling at 110 mph or more? of course not.

And, let's not pretend that this hasn't already been implemented, without issue, in other places. Japan has been doing pole-to-pole netting for 3 decades. Their ushers blow whistles and point to where balls are going.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZyidtI-uNXw

Those are good points, Minor league parks can be really small.

I don't follow Japanese baseball, so I wouldn't know about the whistles. Oddly, that would probably make me get hit. I'd be wondering why the usher was blowing a whistle and pointing at me. I'm also puzzled, if the ball is coming that fast how is there time for the ushers to whistle and point, but not for the spectator to duck?

I don't think it's possible to keep every spectator 100% safe, and that the spectator must bear at least a little responsibility for their own safety.

Pole to pole netting I think might be a bit too much, but Fenway (The one MLB place I know of where it's possible to be closer to the batter than the pitcher) Did extend the nets to the dugouts last year. Not a bad idea, as those seats while a bit farter than the pitcher are very close.

I've seen a few hits/close calls, and even been in a couple.
Pawtucket, Saw a broken bat get into the stands roughly at the far end of the visiting dugout. I was on the home side. Clear view, and Pawtucket has a wall that's a bit shorter than the current net height at Fenway. Totally a freak thing. It actually bounced along a railing for about 15 feet. Not going all that fat, everyone ducked or got their arms up.

The one foul ball I "caught" ...Here in Lowell, at about 250 from home plate. Top of the stands on the far end there's a concession with usually no line. Bought drinks, dogs, pretzels, all in a tray. Turn away after paying, and the batter hits a long foul. Guy in front of me tries for it, clips it a bit it hits my stomach and falls in the tray. Didn't hurt a bit, although it was slightly embarrassing finally getting a ball after a few decades made up for it

Close call a week later, sitting in a nearly obstructed view seat in Fenway. Not behind the pole, but sort of next to it. Reserved grandstand, WAY back, but not behind the screen, maybe row 30 counting the box seats, maybe more. Yankee game, one of them hits a foul right back at us. I stand up to catch it and realize I'm again holding the drinks tray, with probably $40 worth of drinks and food. Had enough time to think that I didn't have a hand free, couldn't get free without dropping stuff, and that I wasn't sure if the ball would hit me or deflect into me off the post. Ducked at the last second and never figured out where the ball ended up. The guys behind us seemed fine, but they were Yankees fans, so I didn't ask.......

Steve B

[frankbmd]

True Story

Where: Dodger Stadium in box seats closer to the hot dogs for sale than the hot dogs on the field.

Net Zero: Seats between third base and home but just beyond the home plate netting. The seats were far enough back to be covered by the deck above, which was actually pretty close in height, causing this area to be darker than the seats up by the field.

Then it happened, a foul tip line drive from light into relative darkness coming straight at me. There are situations where you don't stand a chance. I honestly knew it was coming but didn't see a thing.

The guy two seats to my right ducked. The lady two rows behind him didn't. The ball hit her hard right in the mouth. Attendants came quickly as she was spitting up blood and teeth. She needed attention, but resisted initially leaving her seat (and her teeth). A true blue Dodger fan indeed.

The likelihood of a lethal foul hitting that particular seat with the overhanging deck above is probably 1 in 50,000,000. Would an extension of the netting up the foul lines a bit prevented this? Yes, but the netting might be 500 years old before this were to happen again.

I agree that the fans have to share in the responsibility for what happens and no venue is going to be completely safe. Going to a game with 40,000 cell phones bugs the hell out of me, but a cell phone was not in play here.

Sometimes bad things happen to good people.

[clydepepper]

...and that story reminds of another way to improve the game:

ban cell-phones - nothing worse than seeing idiots with the best seats in the house continuing to be self-absorbed while you, the viewer at home, is trying to concentrate on the potentially great play right in front of them. They wave at the camera, thereby solidifying their temporary immortality - and really, really impressing whoever is on the receiving end of their all-important digital communication.

People on cell-phones should not be allowed behind any protective netting...let's see how brave they can be...