It was found that the average length of a Major League Baseball (MLB) game this season was reduced by 31 minutes. Compared to the demonstration game, it was about 5 minutes faster. It is evaluated that the effect of introducing the ‘pitch clock’ (strictly limiting the preparation time of batters and pitchers) is being seen.
According to an Associated Press report on the 11th (hereinafter Korean time), the pitch clock and shift ban applied from this season, and the base size expansion have strengthened the riding and pitching phenomenon compared to previous years, and the game time has been greatly reduced.
The pitch clock is a rule that the pitcher must throw the ball within 15 seconds if there is no runner, and within 20 seconds even if there is a runner. The pitch clock works from the moment the pitcher catches a ball thrown by the catcher.
Batters are also subject to this rule. You must enter the batting zone 8 seconds before the pitcher’s ‘pitch clock’ ends.
If the pitcher violates this rule, ‘one ball’ is automatically awarded, and if the batter violates this rule, ‘strike one’ is declared.
In the 11 days after the opening, pitch clock violations occurred 125 times in 141 games, recording 0.89 per game.
The league average batting average improved by 1.6 li from 0.233 to 0.249 during the same period last year. This is also interpreted as a shift prohibition effect. Both left and right hitters rose.
Stealing also increased by 30%.안전놀이터 Last year’s average of 1.0 stolen bases per game increased to 1.3, and the success rate also rose significantly from 74% to 79.6%.
Coaches and players who complained about the new rules seem to be accepting it.
Colorado Rockies first baseman CJ Cron said, “It’s the first time I’ve experienced anything like this, but time passes quickly when I’m on defense,” and “it seems like things are always happening.”
“The new rules don’t interfere much with the game,” said Cleveland Guardians manager Terry Francona.