Ramjack Media
31 January 2026
On December 10th, 1972, the American League approved the designated hitter rule on a trial basis — a decision that reignited offense, created a new role for hitters, and ignited one of baseball’s longest-running debates. In today’s episode, we break down why the DH was introduced, how the vote unfolded, and how the rule immediately boosted AL scoring in 1973, from runs per game to OPS. Along the way, we look at the careers the DH extended, the traditions it disrupted, and the fans it divided — including a lighthearted jab from your host, who still misses watching pitchers try (and fail) to swing the bat.
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