The designated hitter rule is extremely controversial in baseball. In the American League, pitchers don’t hit. A designated hitter hits for them. In the National League, pitchers do hit.
Some people, like this individual, think the DH is fine the way it is now. They think the AL can keep it, but the NL should not adopt it.
The #DesignatedHitter rule may be permitted to continue in the AL, but it must never encroach upon the specific joy that is NL baseball.
— Chris Rogers (@CMRforall) April 2, 2017
Many others hate the rule. These old-fashioned fans believe baseball is much more natural if nine players field and those same nine players hit.
Yes. I'm disturbed by @MLB 's new #intentionalwalk rule. But I'll save my OUTRAGE for the despicable #designatedhitter ⚾️ 4ever
— El Wayne (@elwmusic) February 23, 2017
Next up #designatedhitter !!! A guy can hope. https://t.co/FyiXu1HEVK
— ¯_(ツ)_/¯ (@jessmilbournjr) December 1, 2016
Now if only @MLB would get rid of the #DesignatedHitter too…..https://t.co/THGx4ZVVav
— Todd Bryant (@thetoddbryant) December 1, 2016
The #WorldSeries is as good a time as any to point out the #DesignatedHitter is stupid and should be kept out of the NL. #MLB #DH #hottake
— Vas Drimalitis (@vasdrimalitis) October 25, 2016
This is easily the most popular view of the rule. Traditionalists heavily outweigh the more modern type of fans. There is heavy debate on many matters regarding the designated hitter rule. Are DH’s worthy of the Hall of Fame, since they don’t field? Should pitchers hit, since they’re usually weak hitters?
However, some people do actually like the rule, because it provides for more offense and action.
When in the world is the National League gonna grow up and stop making pitchers bat?? It's 2016 for crying out loud. #DesignatedHitter
— Adam Prescott (@APrescott11) October 28, 2016
While most DH’s hit in the mid-to-high .200s, most pitchers hit for a sub-.200 average. There’s easily more firepower in American League lineups, and some people prefer that type of game.
One thing that’s really interesting is how social media is helping to continue the DH debate. People can connect to see similar/opposing views and discuss with others. If the debate doesn’t stop, then the game of baseball won’t die out, which is near and dear to my heart.