The Importance Of Strike Zones In Baseball

One of the most significant rule changes that aided in keeping the game of professional baseball a popular source of entertainment is the changes to the strike zone. The strike zone has undergone many changes, so this is counted as one total change because if each rule was separate, it would make up most of the top four. First off, the strike zone did not always exist; not even strikes existed. In early baseball the batter was able to wait for the perfect pitch before attempting to swing(Roos). This sort of gameplay became extremely boring and fans and players did not like the system. The disagreement of the rule led to the called strike being introduced in 1858 at the first baseball convention. The strike zone was soon after adopted

The current rule for the strike zone is; “The [s]trike [z]one is that area over home plate the upper limit of which is a horizontal line at the midpoint between the top of the shoulders and the top of the uniform pants, and the lower level is a line at the top of the knees. The [s]trike [z]one shall be determined from the batter’s stance as the batter is prepared to swing at a pitched ball.” The strike zone is the balance between the power between the pitcher and the batter. This balance of power is monitored by the umpire. Ted Williams once said, “The batter has three strike zones: his own, the opposing pitcher’s, and the umpire’s. The umpire’s zone is defined by the rule book, but it’s also more importantly defined by the way the umpire works. A good umpire is consistent so you can learn his strike zone. The batter has a strike zone in which he considers the pitch the right one to hit. The pitchers have zones where they are most effective. Once you know the pitcher and his zone you can get set for a particular pitch.” The strike zone appeals to the fans because it showcases the skill to play

Baseball needed to find a way to increase hits across the board. To do this baseball took the pitcher out of the batting lineup. In 1976 the designated hitter rule was created in the American League and this new rule allowed teams to have a “designated hitter” to hit for the pitcher. This hitter would only bat and would not contribute to the team on defence except sparing the pitcher from having to step up to the plate. This rule allowed teams to carry player’s who may have been lackluster defensively but could blast the ball at the plate. To many this rule is one of the most controversial topics in modern baseball, but it is unlikely it will leave because, “[i]f you can improve the offensive output, the argument goes, you will sell more tickets”(Roos). Professional baseball is an entertainment provider and a business. In order for professional baseball to continue from year to year, the business needs money and a business is not going to ditch a practice that is profitable. Similar to other rule changes, more hits is what the public wants because hits lead to