We’ve been trying to convince you of it all during spring training.
Despite some weird moments, the pitch clock proved in the preseason that it’s the best thing for baseball.
Games moved along. They were shorter. There was more action, instead of a pitcher throwing, stomping around the mound, getting settled, waving off the catcher twice and then throwing. Remember that side-by-side video comparing the now to the before? That should be plenty of proof.
But, no, there are some who doubt it. And I get it if you’re an old-school fan. Yet this new era of speedier baseball will help the game keep fans watching.
Check out the Opening Day numbers:
Average length of a 9-inning game on #OpeningDay
2022 3:12
2023 2:45— Sportsnet Stats (@SNstats) March 31, 2023
To say the pitch clock was smash success on Opening Day would be a gross understatement. We're talking best rule change ever. Only 5 of 15 games went over 3 hours.
The scores of 3 of the 5 gms that went over 3 hrs: 10-9, 10-9, 11-7.
Here are the times for the Opening Day games. pic.twitter.com/Vn92CPlYFU
— Jimmy Traina (@JimmyTraina) March 31, 2023
On opening day in '22 the avg. length of a MLB game was 191 minutes (3H, 11M). Avg. runs scored/game = 6.71.
The avg. length of a game yesterday was 164 minutes (2H, 44M). Avg. runs scored/game = 8.47.
If those averages hold up MLB is back to 1986 levels.
2022 vs 2023 below: pic.twitter.com/aa1uWU3m49
— Big League Investigations (@bigleagueinves1) March 31, 2023
Quicker games are great for everyone involved. If you haven’t bought in, it’s time.
