There has long been a debate in baseball that the game drags on and takes too long. And to a certain extent the people making this argument are correct. The average time of an MLB game has only increased, and to combat this, Major League Baseball has implemented new rules. They are: managers are now required to remain in the dugout when challenging plays, a batter must keep one foot in the batter’s box at all time, unless in the instance of swinging at a pitch, foul balls and foul tips, if the hitter is brushed back, or if a wild pitch occurs. Another issue that always arises is pitchers and their impact on pace of play. The MLB implemented a rule to combat that as well. After each half inning break, pitchers have between 2 minutes and 25 seconds to 2 minutes and 45 seconds after the commercial break to begin pitching again. Any repeat violators of the rule will be subject to a fine of up to $500.
With all of these rules in mind, I took to interviewing a former big leaguer about the subject, named Reggie Jefferson. Over his nine year career, he finished with 72 home runs, a career .300 batting average, and his best season came in 1996 when he hit .347 with 17 home runs and 74 runs batted in. I’d like to thank Mr. Jefferson again for his willingness to answer my questions.
Q:For people that haven’t played baseball before how does the pace of a game compare on the field or being their in person, to watching a game on TV?
A: “I think the pace of play in person is definitely better. A player gets caught in the strategy of the game and the fan enjoys being at the ballpark. It’s tougher for the fan watching on TV but I’m just not sure what can be done about it.”
Q:You played during the ‘90s. What, if anything, was different about the pace of play back then as opposed to games now?
A: “The biggest for me is the bullpens have become much more involved and affect the outcomes of games more
Q: What did and didn’t you like about the pace of games?
A: “Don’t have a issue with pace of play. Just feel that it’s certain teams that are bad. Yankees vs Redsox games are really painful to watch now. Way too long. I think sox and yanks just flat out over do it. Games get too long and drag.” (Jefferson spent most of his career in Boston.)
Q:Are you familiar with the new rules that the MLB plans on implementing? Do you feel that these rules will be effective? And the rules that are being put in place, are they the right types of rules?
A: “Somewhat familiar. Changes may help but don’t really think they’re necessary.” Jefferson then went on to say that if he had to implement changes they “Would have to say the number of mound visits by coaches and catchers. Would limit those but overall I don’t have any other issues. A mound visit (by a catcher) would count the same as a coach’s visit.”
Q: Do you think upping the pace is a bad thing? Does it say anything to fans or about the league that they are straying away from the idea that baseball has no time limit?
A: “I feel people who run the game are only looking out for what will help market the game better and that’s their job to sell baseball.”
Q: Finally, as a hitter, what was the pace of an at-bat like and did you ever do anything to prolong a game or an at-bat?
A: “I feel I helped pace of play because my approach was this can be as quick as the pitcher wants it to be. Throw me a strike and I will hit it!”
Mr. Jefferson’s answers were incredibly helpful in shedding some light and getting some perspective on the issue, and he brought up some excellent points. Ultimately, though, only time will tell whether these new rules will be a home run, or a strikeout.
