Major League Baseball (MLB) could see drastic changes as soon as this season with the designated hitter in the National League. I know having a designated hitter is supposed to protect the pitcher, but no! No! No! Make everyone bat that is part of baseball! I love seeing pitchers hit home runs. We as fans always remember when our favorite pitcher smacks home the winning run or, even better, out of the park home runs!

I think everyone should have to bat. I think it’s more exciting when the pitcher has to bat. You never know what is going to happen. I still remember watching Big Z (Carlos Zambrano) hit two home runs in one game, then pitch an amazing game and win it for the Chicago Cubs.

In over 12 MLB seasons, Zambrano has hit a total of 24 home runs in 693 at bats. That equates to one home run for every 28.88 at bats. The most home runs in a single season for Zambrano came in 2006 with six.

My favorite is when Kerry Wood in 2003 hit that amazing home run to put the Cubs in the lead in a playoff game. That never would have happened if the National League had the DH.

And no Cubs fan will ever forget Jake Arrieta’s home run in the 2016 National League series game three!

I still remember jumping up and down screaming at the TV, because there is nothing more exciting than watching a pitcher hit the ball out of the park. This what baseball is about! If anything, I think the American League should make their pitchers bat, too. So, I say no to the DH. I want to see pitchers bat!

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Elisa A. Schmitz 30Seconds

I agree - everyone should have to bat. I played baseball as a kid. I was the only girl on my Little League team when I was in eighth grade. I will never forget how everyone doubted my ability to play with the boys. And I will never forget hitting one out of the park, and catching what everyone thought would be a game-winning home run in center field. I was interviewed by legendary sports broadcaster Tim Weigel because I was the only girl on the team when we won the City Championship. Thanks, Mike Prochaska , for sharing this and bringing back this great memory.

Like Reply 4 2 years ago

Mike Prochaska

Now this should be its own tip about girl power

Thank you, Mike Prochaska ! It was definitely an empowering moment for me!

Like 4 2 years ago

jayjaysentertainment.blogspot....
Jason J. Smith

Like Reply 3 2 years ago

Donna John

Yep, agree, everyone should bat. I understand protecting the pitcher's arm, but batting is part of baseball. Suck it up, buttercup. :-) Mike Prochaska

Love that comment Suck it up buttercup

Like Reply 1 2 years ago

kpoperos-forever

I say the same haha

Like 6 months ago

Dieter Schmitz

Great post Mike Prochaska Plus, pitchers were presumably the best hitters, throwers, and runners growing up in little league and onwards. Why should they give up some of the skills that helped drive their success?

Plus, I love the story above by Elisa All Schmitz 30Seconds She’s amazing!!

This good point. He said I could post his words here since he couldn’t figure out how log in

Tracy Beason

Do away with the DH in the AL too...all minor league teams have pitchers bat so why should it change in the MLB?

Love this idea

Dennis Biesma

I've been an NL fan for as long as I can remember. I even remember (barely) when AL pitchers batted in AL parks. I personally believe that ballplayers should be able to perform all aspects of the game, including hitting. So l, in my perfect baseball world there would be no DH, and it would be a good idea for pitchers to take some batting practice. Remember, not all players are 5-tool guys. Players like Mark Belanger, Tim Foli, and Don Kessinger were all-field, no-hit type players who were all-stars a majority of the time. There is more strategy in the game when you have to decide in the 5th or 6th inning of a close game whether you let your SP bat, bunt, or get lifted for a PH.

All that being said, I don't see that happening in MLB. So, give the NL until 2020, or 2021 to get their rosters aligned and prepared for DHs. (Jeez, I hate saying that).

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Designated Hitters in Baseball: Do You Think the DH Should Come to the National League? by Mike Prochaska

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