The Rules and the Game – John G. Grove

Many commentators and casual fans are concerned that the sport is too “boring” for modern audiences.

But there is a sense that something is amiss with the way the game is currently played.

Changing the rules of any game is a delicate business, but rules can respond to changes in activity going on in the field.

Baseball Commissioner Rob Manfred has been trying to improve the sport as a money-making spectacle.

He has established pitch clocks, universal-DH, ghost runners, expanded playoff, and a host of ticky-tack regulations.

This offseason, Manfred suggested something beyond the pale: a “golden at-bat” This would allow teams, once per game (at least initially), to pinch-hit any player at any time.

The worst 16 seasons in baseball history for balls put in play are the seasons of 2009-2024 .

In 1968 , batting averages corresponded with a meager 3.42 runs per team game.

In 2024, 2024 saw a comparatively robust 4.39 runs, which is slightly above average historically.