The winds of change are blowing in the MLB world, and they’re sweeping in a brand-new dynamic that’s set to transform the game as everyone knows it. It’s not just about the usual shifts in rosters or contracts that fans have grown accustomed to, but a whole new playing field that’s about to showcase itself in the upcoming season.
The 2023 season promises to be a game-changer, with the introduction of the pitch clock, aimed at speeding up the pace of play. While rookies who already have the rule in place may be familiar with it, veterans will need to adapt quickly. A recent Twitter video showcases the impact of the pitch clock and it’s clear that the game is about to take on a whole new rhythm.
Watch the effects of the pitch clock in a baseball game
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In a Tennessee college baseball tournament, a viral video captured the intense effects of the new pitch clock rule. As the pitcher counts down the seconds, the batter desperately asks for a time-out, with the crowd joining in with a chant of “time, time, time.”
Time was asked for. Time was not called. 😬
(h/t @PitchingNinja) pic.twitter.com/uFUfbVFHDU
— B/R Walk-Off (@BRWalkoff) February 18, 2023
With the clock ticking down to the final moments, the tension is palpable. The time was not called, and the pitcher sends in a pitch at the very last second, catching the batter off-guard and causing him to miss his shot. The batter drops his bat in frustration and just walks.
This new rule has sparked a range of reactions from baseball fans. While some are indifferent to the change, others are firmly against it. Many argue that players will need to adapt to the new playing conditions, while others fear that the game might not be as fun anymore.
This is absurd. Baseball is not football or basketball. It’s not fast paced. Trying to cater to people that aren’t interested in baseball is going to result in killing the game the true fans love.
— Niko Guardado (@Niko_Guardado) February 18, 2023
This is the stuff I’m afraid of with the pitch clock. Trying to change the game to get fans who aren’t interested to watch
— joe (@BurdenBurner) February 18, 2023
Game is being tailored to people who cannot define the strike zone without a Google search.
— Brett Davis (@SoxLifeNW) February 18, 2023
Me coming in to the comment section to defend and promote the pitch clock pic.twitter.com/ja4iASuv0s
— Michael Lange (@MichaelDavLange) February 19, 2023
To all the people against to pitch clock, how does a quicker succession of pitches hurt the game? Players will adapt and get used to the rules. And this helps baseball compete with other leagues that are outpacing mlb. Baseball needs to increase viewership
— Michael Lange (@MichaelDavLange) February 19, 2023
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What’s your take on the pitch clock?
What does the new rule entail exactly?
The new rule aims to speed up the pace of the play by imposing strict time limits on both pitchers and batters. Under the new rules, pitchers will have just 15 seconds to deliver a pitch when the bases are empty and 20 seconds when there’s a runner on base. Hitters, on the other hand, must be in the batter’s box within eight seconds of the pitch clock starting.
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Both have penalties upon missing the time, the pitcher will be charged with a ball if the clock runs out. Likewise, if a batter is slow to enter the box, he’ll be hit with a strike.
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