Mike Schmidt and the DH

[scottmitchell74]

The DH itself doesn't really disturb me -- in fact, it makes it possible for aging stars to extend their careers a few more years. That's why most MLB players will end their careers in the American League. We who live near AL cities can see these former great NL players "in the flesh" -- even if their best seasons are now long in the past.

What does disturb me is the fact that the AL uses the DH and the NL does not. I would like to see both leagues follow the same rules, whatever they may be. But who is really "out of step" here? The DH is not just an American League rule; high schools, colleges and all minor leagues use the DH.

If the DH were to be eliminated at any level I would prefer that it be eliminated first in amatuer baseball (American Legion, high school and college) so that young pitchers can get a few years of hitting experience before someone determines (at age 14?) that they can't hit. It's a shame if a kid doesn't get a turn at bat because someone decided to DH for them all the time.

Wishes come true.

I've always liked the DH. I was born in 1974 so it's been with me the whole way. I've always been more of an AL guy. So again, the DH has always been there. I like hitting way more the pitching. Another check mark for the DH. I like the idea of seeing clearly still capable old guys get some great years hitting only. Yay for the DH!

[Chisox]

AMEN!

-----

Appling the man!

[torez77]

What does disturb me is the fact that the AL uses the DH and the NL does not. I would like to see both leagues follow the same rules, whatever they may be.

AMEN!

-----

[SABR Matt]

The DH itself doesn't really disturb me -- in fact, it makes it possible for aging stars to extend their careers a few more years. That's why most MLB players will end their careers in the American League. We who live near AL cities can see these former great NL players "in the flesh" -- even if their best seasons are now long in the past.

What does disturb me is the fact that the AL uses the DH and the NL does not. I would like to see both leagues follow the same rules, whatever they may be. But who is really "out of step" here? The DH is not just an American League rule; high schools, colleges and all minor leagues use the DH.

If the DH were to be eliminated at any level I would prefer that it be eliminated first in amatuer baseball (American Legion, high school and college) so that young pitchers can get a few years of hitting experience before someone determines (at age 14?) that they can't hit. It's a shame if a kid doesn't get a turn at bat because someone decided to DH for them all the time.

THANK YOU

[Appling]

The DH itself doesn't really disturb me -- in fact, it makes it possible for aging stars to extend their careers a few more years. That's why most MLB players will end their careers in the American League. We who live near AL cities can see these former great NL players "in the flesh" -- even if their best seasons are now long in the past.

What does disturb me is the fact that the AL uses the DH and the NL does not. I would like to see both leagues follow the same rules, whatever they may be. But who is really "out of step" here? The DH is not just an American League rule; high schools, colleges and all minor leagues use the DH.

If the DH were to be eliminated at any level I would prefer that it be eliminated first in amatuer baseball (American Legion, high school and college) so that young pitchers can get a few years of hitting experience before someone determines (at age 14?) that they can't hit. It's a shame if a kid doesn't get a turn at bat because someone decided to DH for them all the time.

[Honus Wagner Rules]

It was created to fix a problem that no longer exists, not to mention all the other bogus stuff DH brings to the table.

1) Allowing non-ballplayers to step onto the field, or to extend their "should be" over careers
2) Unfair batting cage/video work DURING games
3) Beanball issues with the pitcher not batting
4) Eliminates subtle strategic maneuvers
5) Throws a wrench into formulas that saber guys try to come up with

Yes, the DH should go away.

[SABR Matt]

This thread has nothing whatsoever to do with sabermetrics...and if you really knew me at all csh...you'd understand that not everything is about statistics in my world...particularly not this thread.

I'm very VERY tired of people acting as though the DH is a pox on the game...I've observed both leagues for a long time...the AL has better pitching, better fielding, and better hitting...for a REASON. Just because something is different, doesn't mean it's evil.

Oh and one other thing...this is a baseball history forum...and for closed minded zealots like you csh...I offer this FACT...statistics are a major part of the history of this game. Deal with it.

[Sultan_1895-1948]

Such closed minded arrogant self-assuredness that your form of baseball is the right form...

I'm digusted.

HOORAY FOR THE DH!!!!!

It was created to fix a problem that no longer exists, not to mention all the other bogus stuff DH brings to the table.

1) Allowing non-ballplayers to step onto the field, or to extend their "should be" over careers
2) Unfair batting cage/video work DURING games
3) Beanball issues with the pitcher not batting
4) Eliminates subtle strategic maneuvers
5) Throws a wrench into formulas that saber guys try to come up with

[csh19792001]

Such closed minded arrogant self-assuredness that your form of baseball is the right form...

I'm digusted.

Speak for yourself. Such closed minded arrogant self-assuredness that your form of analysis (stats alone) is the only correct one...

This is a baseball history forum.

There's an entire universe of information and experience far beyond the realm of statistics and "value". Hopefully someday you'll come to understand and appreciate that.

[west coast orange and black]

well, this current poll means something, right?

[SABR Matt]

Such closed minded arrogant self-assuredness that your form of baseball is the right form...

I'm digusted.

HOORAY FOR THE DH!!!!!

[csh19792001]

thirdsies.

fourthsies

http://www.baseball-fever.com/poll.php?do=showresults&pollid=2529

http://www.baseball-fever.com/showthread.php?t=19156

http://www.baseball-fever.com/showthread.php?t=31334&highlight=designated+hitter+rule

[west coast orange and black]

thirdsies.

[Sultan_1895-1948]

Second that.:radio

[Iron Jaw]

Yeah, let's put an asterisk by there name!!

And what about NL pitchers who don't have to face a DH? Those blaggards are getting away with murder. Better revise all their numbers upwards by 10%.

Why don't we just get rid of the ridiculous item known as the DH and be done with it.