Two Major League Baseball Rules That Need an Immediate Overhaul

As far back as I can remember, baseball has been a huge part of my life. I've been a player, coach, scorekeeper, umpire, PA announcer, and fan for nearly all of my 50 years. I love being around the game and I love watching it. I consider myself to be a bit of a baseball purist, although this article might suggest otherwise.

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I grew up a fan of the National League, so I've always been a "small ball" kind of guy. I still think pitchers should hit for themselves, and I love to see a well-executed bunt or sac fly. I will always clap when a player hits a ball to the right side in order to get his teammate over to third with less than two outs.

I'm not a hardcore purist though, I understand that the game has to evolve in order to grow. I don't hate some of the recent rule changes made to Major League Baseball – in fact, there are two more rule changes that are way past due.

We Should Eliminate the Dropped Third Strike

The dropped third strike rule goes way, way, way back, and I’m sure it was justified at the time, but I think the time has come to get rid of it. The rule is unfair! The goal is to get the batter out, right? So why is it then that a batter should get a “second chance” because of this rule? Why should the pitcher be punished just because the batter swung at a pitch that was in the dirt or got past the catcher? The pitcher did his job – he got the batter to swing and miss. If strike one and two count even though they may have been in the dirt, then strike three should count too.

All Levels of Baseball Should Use a Double First Base

I am very excited to see that the NCAA has approved the use of a double first base this season, and I think teams at every other level of play (including the MLB) should do the same. The inside base (the one that’s in fair territory) is for the fielder, and the outside base is for the runner. Using a double first base would solve a couple of problems that I see every season.

1. The double base, if used and enforced, should cut down or even eliminate collision-related injuries at first base. There is no reason to risk a potentially season-ending injury when it is totally avoidable.
2. The double base could also eliminate controversial plays and fix a rule that already makes no sense to me. Currently, first base is in fair territory, but the runner’s lane is in foul territory. So, in order to not interfere, the runner must use his lane (foul) and then come back to the bag (fair) at the last second. This causes so many goofy, and avoidable, situations. How many times have you seen a batter lay down a bunt and run to first, only to be hit by a throw from the fielder? What’s the correct call? Should the batter be out for interference, or should he get that base and any extras because of the errant throw? I’ve seen those calls go both ways, and it often seems to be wrong. If the double base is used (and enforced) it would clarify and simplify those situations.

These rule changes would also help the pace of play and the length of games, something the MLB has been very aware of in recent years.

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Baseball season is here, friends, and you’ll have plenty of time to watch a whole bunch of games between now and November. Think about my suggestions as you watch games this season. If you watch enough games, I guarantee you will see some controversial calls and game-changing plays that could have been avoided.

Oh, and just one more thing…GO CUBS GO!