By Robiel Vega/@robielcuba87
Changes in baseball regulations continue in order to make it more attractive for the viewing public and especially for the new generations, in other cases, like the one we present today, forced by necessity. This time it was the Frontier League, an independent circuit designated as an officially associated league of Major League Baseball, that undertook a radical change in the extra-inning rule.
The ITB rule (International Tie Breaking Rules), states that a runner must be placed on second base to start each inning after the ninth, as the Major Leagues have done for the last two years. The Frontier League rule change comes if the game remains tied after the 10th inning, as the 11th inning (or the 9th in a doubleheader) will be in the “Sudden Death” format.
What is sudden death”? Well, very simple, before the start of the inning, the manager of the home team will decide if he plays offense or defense. The offensive team will begin the inning with a free runner, the previous batter in the lineup, at first base. this runner can be chosen regardless of his position in the line up. The offensive team has three outs to score the runner. If the runner scores, the offensive team wins. If they don’t score, the defensive team wins.
In recent years, the MLB has expressly requested the Independent Leagues to implement experimental regulatory changes for the sake of their future application at the highest level. But in this case part of a specific need of the Frontier League.
Independent leagues face greater challenges in managing pitching workloads compared to those faced by MLB teams. Independent teams have stricter roster limits and face the possibility of losing players for affiliate ball. Without a farm system to fall back on in the event of a long game affecting the pitching staff, independent leagues have tried creative ways to limit the length of extra-inning contests, as the writer put it. JJ Cooper for Baseball America.
Weeks ago we announced here in Complete Swing another news regarding the use of robots for the determination of strikes and balls in both independent and minor leagues. Without a doubt, the world of baseball and the rules are changing and nobody knows how much it can change the game in a short period of time. Let’s hope the essence is not lost.
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SUDDEN DEATH ARRIVED in baseball: Professional league assumes drastic rule change