The 2023 World Baseball Classic is set to be an exciting international baseball tournament featuring the best players from around the world. However, there is one major rule change for the tournament that has been met with controversy: the use of a runner on second base in extra innings. Many fans have questioned why this rule is being used in the WBC but not in other competitions or in Major League Baseball.
To understand this decision, we must first look at the purpose of the runner on second rule. The rule was implemented in the 2020 MLB season as a way to speed up extra-inning games and prevent marathon contests from dragging on well into the night. By putting a runner on second base to start each half-inning, the hope is that teams will score more quickly, reducing the length of games and preventing excessive fatigue for players.
While the rule has been successful in achieving its goals, it has also been met with criticism. Some fans view the rule as fundamentally changing the nature of the game and argue that games should be decided by traditional means rather than with a runner on second base. This criticism has led some to question why the rule is being used in the WBC when it is not used in other competitions or in MLB.
The reason for this decision is likely due to the unique nature of the WBC. Unlike other competitions, the WBC is only held every four years and involves players from around the world who may not be familiar with each other’s playing styles or team dynamics. In addition, travel and scheduling can be challenging for international teams, which means that games may need to be completed quickly in order to keep the tournament on schedule.
Given these factors, it makes sense for the WBC to use the runner on second rule to speed up extra-inning games and prevent them from dragging on unnecessarily. This will help ensure that the tournament stays on schedule and that players are not excessively fatigued by prolonged games.
It’s worth noting that there are other rule changes being implemented in the WBC, such as the use of a universal designated hitter and a limit on the number of mound visits. However, these rules are not as controversial as the runner on second rule and have been widely adopted in other competitions.
In the end, the decision to use the runner on second rule in the 2023 World Baseball Classic is likely a pragmatic one aimed at ensuring that the tournament is played efficiently and that players are not overworked or fatigued. While some fans may not agree with the decision, it’s important to remember that the WBC is a unique competition with its own set of challenges and requirements, and that rules may need to be adapted accordingly.
