1973day.year

Major League Baseball owners vote in approval of the American League adopting the designated hitter position.

In 1973, MLB approved the designated hitter rule for the American League, changing the game's strategy.
On January 11, 1973, owners from Major League Baseball’s American League voted overwhelmingly to adopt the designated hitter (DH) rule, allowing a player to bat in place of the pitcher. The change aimed to boost offensive excitement and attendance by eliminating weak-hitting pitchers from the lineup. Debates between traditionalists and proponents of the DH preceded the vote, reflecting broader tensions over baseball’s evolution. Upon implementation, the rule generated fan interest and altered roster constructions, with teams signing players specifically for their batting prowess. Over time, the DH became a defining feature of American League play and influenced similar innovations in other leagues globally.
1973 Major League Baseball American League designated hitter