The implementation of a pitch timer in Major League Baseball for the 2023 season has been a major point of discussion this spring as teams prepare for the upcoming season. The timer, which is intended to speed up the pace of play, has been met with both excitement and apprehension from fans, players, and commentators alike. However, upon further inspection, it appears that the pitch timer is a welcome addition that could help bring the game back to its traditional roots.
The pitch timer is intended to reduce the average game time from around three hours to a 2 1/2-hour range, a length last seen in 1985. While this has been met with some apprehension, the early returns on the implementation of the timer have been overwhelmingly positive. Mets broadcaster Gary Cohen noted that the newly reinstated pace is how the game is meant to be played and, in fact, how it was played when a huge swath of fans originally fell in love with baseball.
The pitch timer brings the game back to its traditional roots, which is something that should be embraced by both traditional and modern fans of the game. It can help to ensure that the games remain interesting and engaging without taking away from the core aspects of the game. This is especially important for younger generations of fans, as they may not be as familiar with the traditional pace of baseball.
The pitch timer also provides a unique opportunity for strategic decisions and tactical discussions. As teams work to figure out how best to use the timer, we may see some novel learning moments and debates over exactly how to present the game’s newest structural character.
Overall, the pitch timer is an exciting addition to Major League Baseball and one that should be embraced by fans. It can help to ensure that the game remains interesting and engaging while also bringing it back to its traditional roots.
