MLB Solution # 1: Celebrity Pinch-Hitters
Earlier this week, famed sports analyst Rich Eisen reported via Twitter that there’s some chatter among MLB officials to enact a rule allowing managers to bat whoever they want in the 9th inning. Meaning that regardless of where the Yankees are in the batting order, Aaron Judge and Giancarlo Stanton are getting their hacks. Sorry, Kimbrel.
However, that’s what I call half a good idea.
For some real next level thinking, managers should be able to let anyone in the building pinch hit. More specifically, I’m talking about celebrity athletes in attendance.
Think about it. Major League Baseball is trying to chase down the NBA for market share. So imagine how great it would be for the game if every ninth inning at Progressive Field, LeBron James came to the plate. And when the action shifts to Houston, James Harden is on hand to save the day for the Astros.
Unless, of course, A.J. Hinch decides to go with J.J. Watt that day. Likewise, I’d expect Tom Brady and Rob Gronkowski to get more Fenway at-bats than Kyrie Irving.
The rule would work like this. One batter, in the bottom of the 9th, could be any athlete from any other local team perceived to be more exciting and profitable than baseball. Sidney Crosby. Ezekiel Elliot. Steph Curry. All would be options for their respective markets.
Tickets sold, soaring tv ratings….and zero chance of extra innings when they struck out after three pitches.
Win-win.