Rob Manfred reflects on CONTROVERSIAL pitch clock rule following 10th anniversary as MLB Commissioner
Commissioner Rob Manfred spoke on the pitch clock rule as he celebrated 10 years as the top boss of the MLB.
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Rob Manfred (Image via X)
This past Saturday, Rob Manfred completed 10 years as the Commissioner of MLB. In this tenure, there have been several rule changes which has led to huge backlash from the fans. One of these changes was the introduction of the pitch clock rule, which sparked huge controversy. Manfred would reflect on this on Monday as he went into the 11th year of charge.
The pitch clock rule was introduced in the 2023 season. This was implemented to speed up the game and force the pitchers to pitch faster. The pitch clock rule is not just for the pitchers though. The hitters are also required to get ready for at-bat within the timer. A violation of this rule results in a penalty.
This rule has received mixed reactions. The average game time has reduced significantly in the last two seasons compared to the ones before. As per reports, the game time in 2023 came below 3 hours and lasted around 2 hours and 40 minutes. In 2024, an average MLB game lasted around 2 hours 36 minutes.
Speaking with Evan Drellich of The Athletic on Monday, Manfred admitted that he knew the pitch clock rule would create controversy.
I had come to the conclusion in my own mind that whatever change you make, there’s going to be people who call it heresy, so you can’t make decisions based on that. What we really did need was something that was firm and prescriptive and had durability. And the clock seemed like the only thing I could come up with.
Rob Manfred said
Apart from the pitch clock rule, Manfred also had some other changes in the 2023 season. The size of the bases was increased. This saw an increase in stolen bases attempts. Another rule that was implemented was the shift restrictions.
As per this rule, teams are required to have four infielders within the infield dirt when the pitch has been released. Whereas, two infielders must be placed on either side of second base.
Rob Manfred admits not wanting to be MLB Commissioner
Rob Manfred‘s time as the MLB Commissioner has seen its fair share of ups and downs. After completing 10 years in the office, the 66-year-old claimed that he did not want this position and never did anything to make sure he was next in line.
Manfred succeeded Bud Selig as the Commissioner on January 25th, 2015. While speaking with The Athletic, he let the world know that his wish was never to to assume power and control the league.
I never thought about being the commissioner and I never did one damn thing that was purposely designed to position myself to be commissioner.
Rob Manfred said
Should baseball’s next commissioner come from inside or outside the sport?
— Evan Drellich (@EvanDrellich) January 27, 2025
Rob Manfred: “If you got the best executive in the world, dropped him in that office Day 1 with no indoctrination, he’d fail miserably, is my view.”https://t.co/rLKEu5kUXw
Last year in February, Manfred revealed that he would step down from his post in 2029 while completing a 14-year stay. Before that happens, he is expected to bring in more changes. One of those big changes will happen this year as the usage of robot umpires will start in the upcoming Spring Training.
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Vinay Dave
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