Baseball has long been held as the American pastime, the epitome of a leisurely summer afternoon. In a world where technology has increased people’s desire for instant gratification, this mindset has found its way into the game of baseball. No longer can we stand for four hour marathon games. MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred has put in place a brand spanking new set of rules intended to shorten game time and keep people’s interest.
As a half-assed baseball purist, I am sitting comfortably on the fence about the new rules. There is a huge part of me that loves the peaceful pace of the game. There is another part of me that is full on ready to play Candy Crush at a moment’s notice during any ESPN-shown Yankees/Red Sox matchup and would love for them to just move it along. And, of course, there is the part of me that goes into full-blown panic attack when any timer at all is happening, even if it isn’t for me.
But is baseball just getting a bad rap? Sure, the average game is now running over 3 hours, but so is the average football game. An average NFL game lasts 3 hours and 12 minutes and the time the ball is actually in play is an average of a mere 11 minutes. You don’t see anyone trying to rush the NFL or asking that they try to make the game a little more action-packed.
Some of the new rules will absolutely enhance play. Managers invoking instant replay from the dugout may stop a few of them from getting tossed by everyone’s favorite umpire, Joe West. Attempting to keep the batters in the box (except for the seemingly endless exceptions and David Ortiz, who will not be told what to do) may stifle some of the more doldrum moments during play.
For months, the baseball community has been in a heated debate about just where the new rules will take the game. With spring training games finally in full swing, the fans are getting a chance to see these new rules in action. It may be too early for a decision on whether they are a success or failure, but it is never too early to sound off.