In another effort to add more offense to the game, the American League adopted the designated hitter rule the following year.
That was one of the reasons the Cardinals wanted him to start a game in their park, where the designated hitter rule is not used.
There is considerable debate over whether or not the designated hitter rule should be removed.
The designated hitter rule also changes managerial strategy in late innings.
The use of the designated hitter rule in amateur baseball is nearly universal.
In 1973, the American League decided to adopt the designated hitter rule.
The designated hitter rule is not used and the pitcher is required to bat.
Torre doesn't hide his disdain for the designated hitter rule.
The American League uses the designated hitter rule for the first time.
The designated hitter rule was in place for all games.