The Way Rules Can Affect the Fans

MLB Stadium

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 “How do new rule changes affect the fans?”

The article “How Bonkers are each of the proposed MLB rule changes ?” demonstrates this economic principle by showing how the rules of the game may change and who it affects.

One rule change that could happen and would affect some fans is the 20 second pitch clock rule. This rule would make pitchers pitch the ball before the 20 sec is up. This would speed up the game and it would affect the fans because they will be more engaged to the game. The game will be played at a much faster pace and would be even more entertaining to watch than it already is. Personally I wouldn’t be a fan of this rule if it were to come into place because I feel like sometimes you need more than 20 seconds in between pitches and if this rule were set than I think pitchers will be rushed and not perform as well possibly.

Another rule change that may happen in the near future is a universal designated hitter. This means that every team in the league will be able to use a DH, right now only teams in the AL use a DH. If this rule were to come into place then it would affect the fans because they would be able to see another good hitter play and not watch the pitcher hit, which would most likely make them more excited. Also this rule could make some games more high scoring. Personally I would be a fan of this rule because it would make the game much more interesting and fun to watch.

Last rule change that could come into effect is a rule where pitchers that come into the game must face at least 3 batters before exiting. This rule would affect the fans and keep the game at a faster pace and there will be less pitching changes. I would not be a fan of this rule because some pitchers come in to face one hitter for a certain matchup that favors their team. I think you should be able to put in pitchers whenever you want not after 3 batters.

In my next blog post I will research the question: Who were the most influential players of all time?