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What is the role of a Designated Hitter (DH) in Major League Baseball (MLB)?
Major League Baseball (MLB) is a professional men’s baseball league in North America. It consists of 30 teams split between the American League (AL) and the National League (NL). The Designated Hitter (DH) is a player in the American League who is brought in to bat in place of the pitcher, who would otherwise bat in the National League. The DH is not an additional player on the roster, but rather a role that is filled by one of the players already on the roster.
What Do Designated Hitters Do?
Designated Hitters are typically brought in to bat in place of the pitcher, who would otherwise bat in the National League. The DH is not an additional player on the roster, but rather a role that is filled by one of the players already on the roster. This allows teams to utilize the player’s strengths in hitting as opposed to having the pitcher bat. The DH is only used in games in which the American League team is the home team.
What Is the History of the Designated Hitter?
The designated hitter rule was created in 1973 by the American League, and it was adopted by the National League in 1976. The rule was created in an effort to increase offense in the game, as well as extend the careers of aging players who could no longer play in the field. The rule was controversial when it was first implemented, but it has become an accepted part of the game in the years since.
Who Are Some Notable Designated Hitters?
Some of the most notable designated hitters in MLB history include Edgar Martinez, David Ortiz, Harold Baines, Don Baylor, Jim Thome, and Frank Thomas. These players are all Hall of Famers and are widely regarded as some of the greatest designated hitters of all time.
What Are the Rules for a Designated Hitter?
The designated hitter rule states that the hitter can bat for the pitcher in any inning, and the pitcher cannot bat for the designated hitter. The designated hitter must remain in the game for the duration of the game and cannot be substituted for a pinch hitter. The designated hitter can also play the field if the team desires, but once the player is removed from the game, the designated hitter role is transferred to another player on the roster.
What Are the Benefits of Having a Designated Hitter?
The designated hitter rule has been a great asset to the American League. It has allowed teams to utilize a player’s strengths in hitting, as opposed to having the pitcher bat. This has led to an increase in offense and has extended the careers of aging players. The rule has also allowed teams to take advantage of the DH’s ability to rest a star player, such as an outfielder or a third baseman, to keep them healthy for the remainder of the season.
What Are the Drawbacks of Having a Designated Hitter?
The designated hitter rule has been criticized by some for making the game too one-sided. Since the American League has a designated hitter, the National League does not, which can give the American League an advantage during interleague play. Additionally, the rule has been criticized for making the game too offensive-minded, as teams are now more focused on finding hitters who can hit for power and less focused on finding players who can play solid defense.
How Much Money Do Designated Hitters Make?
Designated Hitters are some of the highest paid players in the MLB. According to Spotrac, the average salary of a designated hitter in the MLB is $5,607,268. The highest paid DH in the MLB is Nelson Cruz, who makes an average of $14,000,000 per year.
How Does a Designated Hitter’s Salary Compare to Other Positions?
The average salary of a designated hitter is significantly higher than the average salary of other positions in the MLB. According to Spotrac, the average salary of a starting pitcher is $4,673,260 and the average salary of a position player is $4,616,720.
Which Teams Have the Highest Paid Designated Hitters?
The teams with the highest paid designated hitters in the MLB are:
- Boston Red Sox – Nelson Cruz – $14 million
- New York Yankees – Giancarlo Stanton – $25 million
- Chicago White Sox – Jose Abreu – $16 million
- Cleveland Indians – Edwin Encarnacion – $20 million
- Los Angeles Angels – Shohei Ohtani – $3.3 million
- Texas Rangers – Shin-Soo Choo – $21 million
Conclusion
The designated hitter rule has been a great asset to the American League. It has allowed teams to utilize a player’s strengths in hitting, as opposed to having the pitcher bat. Designated Hitters are some of the highest paid players in the MLB, and the teams with the highest paid designated hitters are the Boston Red Sox, New York Yankees, Chicago White Sox, Cleveland Indians, Los Angeles Angels, and Texas Rangers. The rule has been controversial since its implementation, but it has become an accepted part of the game in the years since.