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We have all had our separate debates about Interleague Play. Some of us a free and open to different things and then some of us hate it (blasphemy) and want to keep what happens in the World Series pure; as the best of both leagues meet each other for the World Championship.
I get it.
I can not say that I have a definitive opinion for one side or the other.
Mandatory Credit: Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports
But I do have a suggestion….
Switch the Rules
As a simple suggestion from both a fan perspective (mostly) AND a business perspective, why not switch the rules for Interleague play to reflect the VISITING team.
Example:
When the Atlanta Braves visit the Boston Red Sox on June 15-16 at Fenway Park, they adopt OUR National League rules and their pitcher has to hit.
Conversely, when the Red Sox visit us at the Ted June 17-18, we adopt the AL rules and we are permitted a DH.
As a fan, sometimes it is complete buffoonery and pure comedy (Bartolo Colon) for most pitchers to hit (unless it is Madison Bumgarner vs Clayton Kershaw, lol).
For the home fans in an American League park, it would be “fun” for them to see their pitchers flail violently at pitches 3 feet off the plate. It also forces their manager to adapt to a different style of play on their home field. I can remember a few games where the pitchers in Interleague play walked up to the plate and their entire team was holding back laughs and smiles because their pitcher was at the plate looking ungodly awful.
It’s about the players having fun too right?
But when an AL team visits an NL park, bring on the DH. Instead of the National League having the advantage (Is It?) of playing with their normal lineup and the pitcher in the 8th or 9th spot, now we get to add another hitter and present more possible offense.
As a fan, I want to see the AL team at their full capacity, not leveraged or at some sort of home field disadvantage. Bring on the hitters.
I know this is a touchy subject for most people, but it is apparent that Interleague Play is NOT going anywhere so why not make it a bit more exciting for everyone; well mainly us, the fans.
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