How Can Baseball Fix This Growing Problem?

By: Jacob Zanolla

On Tuesday night, Whit Merrifield was hit in the back of the helmet with a fastball courtesy of Rockies reliever Jeff Criswell. This brings up an interesting point about the hitters safety, especially with the always increasing velocity around the game.

After the game, Merrifield offered his comments on the situation. “It’s ridiculous. The way, or where, the game is at now, it’s ridiculous.” He went on to say “The guys are throwing as hard as they can and they don’t care where the ball goes. It is driving me nuts and I hate where the game is at right now with that. He mentioned several other Braves players who have been hit in a similar area, therefore causing them to miss time as well. “I’m very lucky it got me in a good spot. Now I have to go get a CAT scan, most likely won’t be able to play tomorrow, and that guy [Criswell] gets no repercussions.”

Fastball velocity is higher than ever. Also on Tuesday night, Ben Joyce struck out Tommy Edman with a fastball that registered at 105.5 miles per hour, which is the fastest strikeout pitch ever. As of now, 105.8 mph is still the mark to beat, courtesy of lefty Aroldis Chapman.

Some players are better at taking hit-by-pitches than others. Anthony Rizzo is a great example. He is known for standing very close to the plate, but he’s also used to getting hit in the side or the back. However, there is no excuse for hitting someone in the head. It’s unacceptable, and as Merrifield says, the damage to a hitter is guaranteed, but the pitcher does nothing but give up a free base.

When discussing how Major League Baseball can fix this issue, many different options have been brought up as possible solutions. The first may be the most obvious, but it’s an immediate ejection for the pitcher if a batter is hit above the shoulder, or something in that area. Normally an ejection like this would involve the manager as well, but there isn’t really a point unless it’s clear that there was intent behind the pitch. This may be the most efficient in having players limit those up and in pitches, with the fear that it may be their last pitch of that game.

Another idea is making a HBP in that area worth two bases, which becomes interesting when games are nearing the end, as that could change the momentum completely. I like this idea the best, purely because it would make every game more interesting, with even more strategy involved. It’s not very likely, but could be something to look into.

No matter what they choose, something needs to be done. Players are getting hurt, teams are losing stars, and the punishments are nonexistent. Pitchers are focusing on velocity over control, and it’s getting more evident by the day. Throwing up and in isn’t always a bad thing. I do it in MLB The Show non-stop (clearly not the same but still), as tying a batter up with an up and in fastball is one of the most effective pitches in baseball. However, in the video game I don’t have to worry about hurting anything but my opponents feelings (IF I win), compared to worrying about a person’s health in real life.

Someone on Twitter mentioned that players signed up for this and compared this debate to football players complaining after getting tackled. It’s an interesting point but tackling in football is part of the game. Getting hit in the head by a baseball is not what they signed up for. Josh Hader said in an interview on Foul Territory that it’s one of the reasons he didn’t want to be a hitter, so both sides are aware of the issue, now for something to change.