The designated hitter (DH) is a unique position in baseball, sparking passionate debates among fans, players, and analysts alike. But What Is A Designated Hitter, exactly? This article delves into the history of the DH rule, its evolution, its impact on the game, and the ongoing discussion about its future in Major League Baseball (MLB).
The Origins of the Designated Hitter
The concept of a designated hitter, a player who bats in place of the pitcher, isn’t as modern as some might think. Its roots trace back to the late 19th century when baseball executives sought ways to improve the game’s offensive output.
The first formal DH proposal emerged in 1891. Sporting Life reported discussions about exempting pitchers from batting altogether, citing the “utter worthlessness of the average pitcher” at the plate. While this initial proposal was narrowly defeated, it highlighted a growing concern about the offensive contributions (or lack thereof) from pitchers.
Early Attempts to Boost Offense
During the late 1800s, baseball saw rule changes impacting pitching styles and distances. These changes transformed the pitcher’s role from merely putting the ball in play to becoming the most important defensive player. This increased focus on pitching skills often came at the expense of offensive abilities.
Statistics from the era support this trend. In the 1870s, pitchers had a batting average of .235, which declined to .208 in the 1880s. While non-pitchers’ averages also decreased, the gap between the two widened, suggesting that pitchers were indeed becoming less effective hitters.
The Designated Hitter in the 20th Century
The idea of a designated hitter resurfaced in the early 1900s, with Connie Mack, a legendary figure in baseball, advocating for the change. Mack’s suggestion fueled further debate, but tradition remained a strong force. Many argued that it was a “cardinal principle of baseball” for every player to both field and bat.
Even some pitchers opposed the idea. Addie Joss, a Hall of Fame pitcher, argued that pitchers should have the chance to “wallop the ball” and contribute offensively. However, Joss himself was a poor hitter, highlighting the challenge of pitchers excelling at both pitching and hitting.
Babe Ruth, initially a pitcher, also weighed in, arguing that pitchers should be able to “win his own game with a healthy wallop.” However, even Ruth acknowledged that pitchers often lacked the consistent training needed to become good hitters.
Despite these debates, the concept remained on the fringes. The Federal League, a short-lived “outlaw” league, even discussed using a designated hitter in 1914.
The Live-Ball Era and Renewed DH Discussions
The 1920s, marked by Babe Ruth’s home run prowess, brought a renewed focus on offense. John Heydler, President of the National League, proposed what he called “the ten-man rule,” arguing that pitchers were “absolutely a dead loss” at the plate.
While Heydler’s proposal was ultimately tabled, it sparked considerable discussion and even led some National League managers to consider experimenting with the idea during spring training. Walter Johnson, another Hall of Fame pitcher, voiced his support for the change.
The American League Adopts the DH
The designated hitter finally became a reality in 1973 when the American League (AL) adopted the rule on a trial basis. This decision was driven by a desire to increase offense and attract more fans.
After a three-year experiment, the American League decided to keep the DH. The reason, according to John Thorn, official Historian of Major League Baseball, was simple: increased offense meant higher attendance.
The Split Between the Leagues
The National League (NL), however, remained opposed to the DH, creating a distinct difference between the two leagues. This split led to various compromises for the World Series, including alternating years with and without the DH and, eventually, the “When in Rome, Do As The Romans Do” rule, where the DH is used in AL ballparks but not in NL ballparks. This is still the current system used.
This same system was then carried over to interleague play when that started in 1997.
The All-Star Game also saw a similar evolution, initially excluding the DH, then using the “When in Rome” rule, and finally adopting the DH for all games starting in 2010.
The Future of the Designated Hitter
The debate over the designated hitter continues to this day. Factors such as declining offense and injuries to pitchers while batting have reignited the discussion. Even MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred has weighed in, suggesting that the National League could adopt the DH in the future, though this has yet to be seen.
The National Baseball Hall of Fame even created an exhibit on the DH, encouraging fans to share their opinions on the issue using the hashtags #IThinkTheDH, #yesDH, or #noDH.
The Enduring Debate
The designated hitter represents a fundamental difference in the philosophies of the American and National Leagues. One emphasizes offense and specialization, while the other values tradition and the all-around player.
As John Thorn aptly stated, “The subject will keep percolating, which is the way some folks like it.” Whether the designated hitter remains a fixture in baseball or undergoes further changes, its impact on the game is undeniable, and the debate surrounding it is sure to continue for years to come.
