Baseball Purists
Craig Melvin of “Today” mentioned the term “baseball purist” this morning. Craig was talking about the way the MLB All Star Game was decided last night with the “swing-off” rather than the traditional extra innings.
I don’t think baseball purists exist these days. A purist would be someone who still wants the MLB game of the 1940s through the 1960s. In those days, only two teams – the AL and NL pennant winners – advanced to the playoffs. In 2024, 12 teams made the playoffs. Thank you, Wild Card.
The AL went with the DH in 1973. The NL used it in 2020, during the COVID-19 season, and adopted it permanently in 2022.
MLB started interleague play in 1997 and today all 30 teams play each other every season.
In 2017, MLB did away with requiring a pitcher to throw four balls for an intentional walk. Now all the manager does is signal for an intentional walk and no pitches are thrown.
The pitch clock.
The Astros moved to the American League in 2013.
Challenges of umpire calls and instant replay.
To shift or not to shift.
Bases are larger.
The automatic runner at second base to start extra innings.
The minimum number of batters a relief pitcher must face in certain situations.
Home field advantage for the World Series used to be rotated. AL one year, the NL the next year. Then the MLB All Star Game winner determined which league got the World Series home field advantage. Now it is determined by the best regular season record.
At last night’s MLB All Star Game, we were introduced to the “swing-off.” After nine innings, the game was tied at 6-6. Instead of going to the automatic runner at second base to start the 10th inning, each team sent three hitters to the plate to take three swings apiece and the team with the most dingers after nine swings won the game. Kyle Schwarber of the Phillies sent all his three swings over the right field wall to give the NL the win over the AL.
Heck, I thought that was cool. MLB should consider using this format in the regular season. It would save on wear and tear of relievers and shorten the game.
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The Astros held an MLB All Star Game watch get together for season ticket holders on the Club Level at Daikin Park last night. They served free grub that included hot dogs, sliders, peanuts, nachos, ice cream, popcorn, and Crackerjack.
I had to get a photo of me with the team hardware that is in the featured photo. Very cool.
I am pretty sure the baseball purists would be pretty bent out of shape with today’s options at concession stands like margaritas, churros, fish tacos, chicken and waffles, craft beer, and you get the picture.
The purists would also be throwing fits with the various uniform options like All Star Game lids, City Connect unis, Fourth of July lids, and you also get the picture.
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No Astro got to play last night.