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MLB Testing New Rules

Article Date: March 8, 2019

Only a month ago we were talking about some of the latest changes going on in MLB rules. Now they are at it again. Major League Baseball will be testing some new rules via the Atlantic Independent League this season which may have a big impact on the game if everything goes as anticipated. Rule changes include:

• Pitching distance will move back by 24 inches.
• The infield shift will become illegal, ensuring 2 infielders remain on each side of 2nd base.
• Visits to the mound by any player or coach will be prohibited unless making a pitching change.
• Pitchers must face a minimum of 3 batters unless he reaches the end of the inning or is injured.
• The size of each base, excluding home plate, will increase by 3 inches in diameter.
• Time between innings will be decreased.
• The home plate umpires will be assisted by TrackMan radar system in calling balls and strikes.

Obviously, some of these rules may have a huge impact on the game. How do you think you'll fair against an extra two feet to prepare your swing against 95mph, a distance that has not been moved back since 1893. That's 126 years! Do you feel that a robot calling balls and strikes is a good call? How does that effect catchers receiving, where they setup, and ultimately footwork? These are some interesting rule changes, and it will be great to see where they end up and at what level of implementation they are given. Baseball has been on a downward turn over the past few years, so obviously the MLB and MLBPA are coming up with some clever ways to speed up the game, try to build some new excitement, and ultimately bring back the National past time that we all grew up loving.

Considering that the MABL/MSBL follow MLB rules closely, it will also be interesting to see how that effects our league and others such as High School and NCAA rules.

References:

https://www.si.com/mlb/2019/03/08/atlantic-league-rule-changes-pitchers-mound-distance-infield-shift

https://www.theringer.com/mlb/2019/2/11/18219890/rule-change-proposals-universal-dh-moving-mound-expanded-rosters