![Will someone shorten the baseball game and save the sport? [image source: slgckgc - Wikimedia Commons]](https://staticr1.blastingcdn.com/media/photogallery/2018/5/20/660x290/b_502x220x82/will-someone-shorten-the-baseball-game-and-save-the-sport-image-source-slgckgc-wikimedia-commons_1999279.jpg "Will someone shorten the baseball game and save the sport? [image source: slgckgc - Wikimedia Commons]")
As we all know, there is not much more American than watching the great game of baseball, while maybe enjoying a delicious hot dog. However, for emerging fans, young and old, sustaining interest throughout a baseball game has become increasingly difficult. This, in large part, is due to the games averaging over three hours in length. Over the past few years, the commissioner has tried to create new rules in order to speed up the pace of the game. However, it seems as though other new rules have made the pace slower than ever. How can we change this?
What can we do?
Too much replay?
With the creation of the replay system into baseball a few years ago, teams currently have multiple challenges that they can use for plays throughout the game. As those of us who watch baseball have seen, this coaxes teams into evaluating every close play. By evaluating, I mean getting their assistant coach to review the play before they decide whether to challenge. This begs the question, why does baseball allow the play to be reviewed, internally, before deciding on a challenge? Why not give, let's say, ten seconds after the play ends to decide on the challenge?
As many of us have seen, this replay system has slowed up to the pace of the game and has made some games unbearable to watch.
With plays along the base paths eligible to be challenged and a movement toward more use of replay being made. Will umpires, behind the plate, eventually be eliminated? Will a computer call balls and strikes? Would this alter the traditional game of baseball too much? These are all questions that are likely going to be answered in the next few years.
How can we speed up the game?
Naturally, baseball is a slow and methodical game and, to some extent, that is not going to change. However, certain adjustments, some of which MLB officials have considered, could have a drastic impact. One of which is a pitch clock that ensures pitchers get the ball back from the catcher and throw it to the batter in a timely manner.
This has been used as a trial in the minor leagues but has yet to reach the big leagues. The MLB has recently implemented a system that limits the number of mound visits a manager or pitching coach can make during the game. However, as some of us have witnessed, many players oppose this. One of which is Cubs catcher, Wilson Contreras who said "What about a tight game or an extra-inning game and you have to go out there?" he asked rhetorically saying, "They cannot say anything about that. That's my team. If they are going to fine me for mound visit No. 7, I'll pay the price."
With a mindset like this, making a change to the timing in baseball may not be as easy as it may sound. One way that has not openly been considered yet is the time it takes relief pitchers to get ready on the mound before play resumes.
As we all know, in the age of analytics, baseball managers are using more and more pitchers in the late innings of baseball games. This, in essence, has slowed the game more than ever before. With pitchers warming up in the bullpen prior to entering the game, is it necessary that they warm up on the mound before pitching? Although it likely provides a more comfortable entrance for pitchers, removing it should not increase the chances of injury, as pitchers are already stretched out in the bullpen. This, on its own, could speed up the last few innings of most games. Will this ever get considered? Is the MLB serious about speeding up the pace of play? Should they be?
What will it take for baseball to finally make drastic changes?
As most of us know, baseball is a profitable venture for some, as is any other business in the world. If the product becomes less intriguing to the viewers or consumers, something needs to be done. Just as a store that falls out of favor with its customers, a sport that falls out of favor with its viewers also needs adjustments. Until baseball finds that its product is becoming less marketable on the global level, do not expect to see major changes. However, with the long duration of MLB seasons, long duration of each individual game, and overall slow pace of games, many young people today are losing interest.
