Were We Too Harsh On The New Pitch Clock?

Going into the 2023 baseball season, fans were introduced to some new and very unexpected rules. The most talked about rule right now is the Pitch Clock.

Baseball has received loads of hate over the past few years for how long the games can be. Some people, even all around the world, refuse to watch Baseball games due to how much time it usually takes but, to many baseball fans, long games are what makes baseball so entertaining. 

MLB had talked about implementing new rules ever since 2022. The one complaint that stood out to them was how long pitchers would take to warm up in between pitches and how this would be the most “time-consuming” thing to be done during games, and how fans would lose interest since very little movement happens here.

So, are we liking this new pitch clock? Many fans all over the world claim that they were being “too harsh” on this new rule. They find it exciting knowing that pitches will come faster than usual. According to Commissioner Rob Manfred, “We think the changes are going to produce a crisp, more exciting game with more balls in play,” 

Other fans aren't too happy about this. A fan stated that having the pitch clock was basically rushing games and gave fans attending ballparks very little time to explore and enjoy the scenery. “I leave during the top of the 3rd inning to go and get food, and when I get back, it’s already the top of the 5th. This makes buying tickets not worth it.” Fans feel as if their money is going to waste since games are happening faster than usual. This is not the baseball we remember.

Ever since these new rules were introduced, from opening day to 4/12/23, The pace of play went down by 30 minutes.

Via MLB Instagram;

“9-inning game time down 30 minutes compared to same number of days in 2022 (From 3:07 to 2:37).”

Now, the question here is, Will this draw fans away from baseball but introduce people to baseball now that games are just a little shorter? Or will Baseball fans adjust fine to these rules?