American League History
On this date back in 1973, the American League adopted the designated hitter rule. The rule, if you are not aware, means that in the American League the pitcher does not hit. A player who does not play the field can hit and sit in the dugout when his team is on the field. The National League does not use this rule-they wanted a vote on it back in 1980, but were not able to pass it. In the minors, pitchers rarely bat-unless both National League affiliates agree.
Back to some baseball history, the first designated hitter was Ron Blomberg of the Yankees. The first home run hit by a designated hitter was Twins outfielder Tony Oliva! Tony O always gets close to the Hall of Fame vote every three years and hopefully he gets in. He is one Twins legend who autographed my jacket. Here is a video going back in the archives!
You can hear Twins baseball all season long on KFIL!