PLAY BALL!!! – Friday Feature April 8, 2022
By: Vinny Pagano
The wait is finally over, and the regular season of MLB is underway and baseball fans can finally try and put the work stoppage of 2021-2022 behind them (99 days). With the regular season games underway I thought I would give you a few reminders of a few of the changes that take place in the MLB for this season.
The first thing you will notice is that the pitcher will no longer bat in the National league. The Universal Designated Hitter rule has been put in place, and with this change the need to watch and pinch hit for the pitcher in run scoring situation will be a thing of the past. Some of the decisions that a traditional manager would make during the game are now going to be gone. “Small Ball,” bunting, stealing bases and sacrifice at bats will no longer be something a fan will get to see on a regular basis. Some of these things have been done to speed up the game and get more people interested in the sport. The Ghost runner on second base to start extra innings will also be gone for the 2022 season and 7 inning double-headers are now obsolete. The MLB is going back to the 9-inning double headers. The Post season will now expand to 12 teams. Another thing you might have already noticed was advertising logos on the uniforms.
A pitch clock was discussed for this season, but it will be implemented for the 2023 season. Also, the 2023 season will include an automatic ball/strike zone, it will do away with the defensive shift and will also include the larger bases.
No matter what team is your favorite, you will notice the changes, and everyone will have to adjust, even the umpires. This should be an interesting season to say the least. Injuries will play a part in all teams’ chase for the pennant. Some of the new rule changes will help reduce some of the chances for injury and also keep the game moving along. I really would like to know what you think about the current state of baseball and our national pastime. Email me at vinny@kool1039radio.com and share your thoughts. I might even share your thoughts with our listeners, so let me know what is on your mind.
– Vinny Pagano is the Sports Editor for Columbus County News and Sports Director for WTXY Kool 103.9FM & AM1540. Join Vinny every Saturday morning at 10:30am on WTXY AM1540 & KOOL 103.9FM for “In The Sports Zone”, a weekly sports talk podcast, covering the world of professional, college, semi-pro and the local sports world. In The Sports Zone is also available on Spotify, and other Podcast sites. Local Sports stories, as well as questions and comments can be submitted to Vinny at sports@kool1039radio.com
