Universal Use of the Designated Hitter in Baseball

Major League Baseball

The use of the DH (Designated Hitter) is probably the most controversial topic among baseball inner circles. The two sides to this argument are equally passionate about their stance on the DH. Right now, the DH is used in all minor league levels (except Double-A and Triple-A), almost all international leagues, and the MLB’s American League. Double-A, Triple-A, and the Central League of Japan all use the MLB’s National League rule of allowing pitchers to bat.

Amateur Baseball

In amateur baseball, the NCAA states that teams must use a DH for a pitcher however, many teams opt to use the pitcher as the DH as well. In Little League Baseball, a DH is not allowed however each individual youth league is different. So as you can tell there is no consistency with the DH rule which can make it pretty confusing.

Image by Keith Johnston from Pixabay 

For the DH

People in favor of the DH think it’s a no brainer. Why would you have a pitcher with little to no hitting ability bat instead of a capable hitter? This gives teams the best shot of putting runs on the board and allows pitchers to focus on what they do best. However, it eliminates some hitters jobs with less pinch hitting and substitution opportunities in the pros. If only adding the DH to the National League was that simple.

Against the DH

Other baseball purists feel that the DH cheapens the game. Forcing pitchers to hit increases the amount strategy required to win a game. If you’re in the middle of a pitchers battle, are you going to let your pitcher bat or play the odds and let a pinch hitter bat? Or, with runners on, are you going to have your pitcher bunt and sacrifice an out to move up the runners or swing away and risk gaining nothing? Requiring pitchers to bat adds a few different elements to the game. Plus, there’s nothing better than watching a pitcher come up with a big hit. Unless of course you are the other team’s pitcher.

Each side of the argument has its pros and cons so there’s no real right answer. WIth strong proponents on each side it doesn’t look like a change will happen anytime soon. What would you do if you were making the decision?