The Biggest Rule Changes in MLB History

Source: Sportingnews.com

The economic principle I’m exploring is Institutions are the “rules of the game” that influence choices.

My research question to help me study my economic principle is “What are the biggest rule changes in Baseball?”

The article was published on ESPN, titled “The History of Rule Changes ” demonstrates this economic principle by showing how the rules of the game have changed over time and how they affect the game.

First one of the biggest rule changes ever is when the mound was moved back. They moved the mound back several times before they decided that 60 feet 6 inches is the best for both the pitchers and hitters. Early on the pitchers were so dominant because of how close the mound was. From 1845-1880 the mound was only 45 feet away from the plate giving the pitchers a big advantage. Each year from 1877-1880 the players batting averages went down from 271 to 245. Then in 1882 they moved the mound back to 50 feet because of how much the hitters were struggling. Then in 1893 they moves the mound back to 60 feet 6 inches, that is how far away the mound is from home plate today. It is the perfect distance because the pitchers and hitters both have a fair chance. Earlier when the mound was closer the hitters were having a tough time against the pitchers. This is why this is one of the biggest rule changes in MLB history.

Second another big rule change is when the MLB changes the amount of balls and strikes it takes to either be walked or struck out. Umpires started calling strikes and balls in 1863, In 1874 a walk took 9 balls. In 1887 for only one year it took pitchers 4 strikes to strike someone out. Then in 1889 the balls went down to 4 to be granted a walk. And the strikes went down to 3 for a strikeout. I think that 4 balls and 3 strikes is the perfect amount, 9 was way too many balls and 4 was too many strikes. This way the game goes by at a faster pace which is better for the fans and the pitchers throw less pitches which is good for their arms.

Lastly another big rule change was when made a rule where the pitchers and fielders cannot put anything on the ball, such as spit or tobacco. They made this a rule because this made the hitter have a disadvantage, they were at a disadvantage because the pitcher would get a better grip on the ball and the balls color changed making it harder to see for the hitter. This was a big rule change because now the hitter has a fair and better chance of getting a hit. That is why this rule change was so important to the game of baseball.

In my next blog post I will research the question: What are the most significant eras in MLB history?