Expert: Steve L - 9/20/2003

Question
hi Steve L.,
here's one that should be easy for you.  do you know when the designated hitter rule in the american league began?  do you know who led the movement for a designated hitter rule in the american league?  do you know why the national league did not adopt the rule?

thanks steve.  hope you can help with this one.  sincerely,
Peter Costas

Answer
12-10-1972:   The American League first adopts the designated hitter rule for a three year experiment.

4-6-73:  Ron Blomberg of the Yankees becomes the first designated hitterin major league history when he comes to the plate moments before Orlando Cepeda of the Red Sox.

The designated hitter was originally designed to boost scoring by having an extra hitter bat in place of the pitcher, and also to eliminate the often laughable spectacle of a pitcher trying to hit.

I don't know why the National League didn't adopt the rule, but I'm glad they didn't.