Games That Changed the Rules
History is riddled with Major League Baseball games that did more than just thrill their fans; these games profoundly shaped the evolution of its rules and technologies. This paper examines vital games played that have instigated major overhauls to change the league, transforming how the game would be played and administered.
The Merkle Boner - 1908
One of the most belligerent incidents over MLB rules was by Fred Merkle of the New York Giants. In adana contest against Chicago Cubs on September 23, 1908, after he had hit what should have been the winning run, Merkle failed to touch second base. Second baseman Johnny Evers of the Cubs retrieved the ball and tagged second base with his foot, thereby forcing Merkle out.
The game had to be called a tie because of darkness and was replayed—won by the Cubs—which helped put them into the World Series.
This outcome then caused a change in the rules for MLB, requiring any runner to continue and touch the next base to complete a play. This rule still stands today and is known as the "Merkle Rule." Historic games like these can be relived on platforms like streameast, where fans can watch all classic MLB games for free.
The Arrival of the Designated Hitter – 1973
On April 6, 1973, Ron Blomberg of the New York Yankees became the first DH in MLB history. There he was, standing at the front of a big change coming to how American League games would be conducted: a player may bat in lieu of the pitcher under the DH rule. This not only quickened up the game but also introduced an element of strategy into the roster makeup and game management.
This was one of the rules that were developed by the American League and not by the National League, still today being one of the most debated changes within MLB history.
The Pine Tar Incident - 1983
On July 24, 1983, George Brett of the Kansas City Royals hit a two-run homer that would have given his team thebcc late-game lead on the New York Yankees. However, Yankees manager Billy Martin filed a protest, stating that Brett's bat had too much pine tar on it; that is, more than the 18-inch limit. The umpires agreed and ruled Brett out, wiping out the home run. The call was famously overturned on appeal, and the game was completed later.
This controversy finally cleared the misunderstandings about the rules over the placement of those foreign substances on bats; it also secured the players' rights regarding appeals against the decisions of the umpires.
Instant Replay Implemented – 2008
Technology started to go in a completely different direction regarding its relationship with Major League Baseball on August 28, 2008, when instant replay was instituted for the very first time, where instant reviews of controversial home run calls could be made. In many ways, this marked the end of the "human element" involved in calling games. BaseRunning calls, catches out in the outfield, and tag plays are elements that instant replay has added to its repertoire through the evolution of the use of this innovation and significantly impact the accuracy of game calls made by league umpires.
Fans interested in current games and the latest rule impacts can catch every live MLB game on stream east, where live sports streaming is always free and accessible.
2020 COVID-19 Rule Changes
The COVID-19 outbreak forced temporary game rule adjustments in the 2020 MLB season. They included seven-inning doubleheaders and a runner on second base in every extra inning to speed up the game and reduce player exposure. Some of those rules, like the universal DH, could be discussed for permanence.
Such games, with their consequent rule changes, have epitomized the dynamism of Major League Baseball: where tradition comes to meet innovation, and modernity never stops. All of these defining moments are exclusively the story of one game, not just narrating how MLB as a league has evolved in response to controversy, innovation, and external pressures over all these years. The legacy of such multiple changes through time is one that continues influencing strategies, technologies, and rules defining today's game—making it stand out amongst other professional sports leagues worldwide.