Bring back the pitchers.
Growing up in New York, whether going to see the Yankees or the Mets play, before my dad ever got tickets I did my best research to determine who would be starting on the mound that day. I was always about the pitching. Didn’t care much for offense, give me a taut 1–1 pitcher’s duel into the night. The thrill of watching Tom Seaver, Catfish Hunter, Jim Palmer, Bob Gibson, and so many others growing up is what made me a baseball fan for life. But those days are now all but gone.
Baseball has always been a sport steeped in tradition. From the crack of the bat to the smell of fresh-cut grass, baseball has a certain romanticism that has captured the hearts of fans for generations. But as the game evolves, so too do the strategies and tactics employed by teams. One of the most notable changes in recent years has been the decline of the starting pitcher who goes the distance.
Gone are the days of Bob Gibson throwing complete games in the World Series or Jim Palmer winning 20 games in a season. Instead, we see pitching staffs filled with specialized relievers and starters who are limited to a certain number of pitches or innings. This shift towards a more specialized approach to pitching has left many fans longing for the days when pitchers were expected to go the distance.
The history of baseball is filled with legendary pitchers who were known for their ability to go deep into games. Bob Feller, Sandy Koufax, and Nolan Ryan are just a few examples of pitchers who were able to dominate their opponents by pitching complete games and racking up strikeouts. These pitchers were revered by fans and respected by opponents for their endurance, skill, and sheer determination.
But as the game has changed, so too has the role of the starting pitcher. With the advent of advanced statistics, analytics and sabermetrics, teams have become more focused on exploiting matchups and finding the most efficient way to get outs. This has led to the rise of specialized relievers who are brought in to face specific batters and starters who are limited to a certain number of pitches or innings.
While this approach may be more effective in terms of winning games and minimizing the risk of injury, it has also led to a decline in the art of pitching. The ability to pitch deep into games requires a level of skill and stamina that is simply not being developed in today’s game. Instead, pitchers are being taught to focus on velocity and pitch counts, rather than developing the endurance and mental toughness required to pitch a complete game.
This shift towards a more specialized approach to pitching has also had a negative impact on the game itself. Fans are no longer able to witness the drama and tension of a pitcher battling through a complete game. Instead, they are forced to watch a revolving door of pitchers come in and out of the game, each with their own set of strengths and weaknesses.
The lack of complete games has also had a negative impact on the historical context of the game. Records set by pitchers such as Cy Young and Walter Johnson, who routinely pitched complete games, are no longer in danger of being broken. This not only diminishes the achievements of these legendary pitchers but also robs fans of the opportunity to witness history being made.
Another aspect of the decline of the starting pitcher who goes the distance is the impact it has had on the emotional connection between fans and players. Fans are no longer able to form the same emotional attachment to pitchers who are only expected to pitch a few innings before being pulled from the game. This has led to a sense of detachment between fans and players, which is ultimately detrimental to the game as a whole.
The shift in the game has also led to a decline in the importance of the starting pitcher. In the past, the starting pitcher was the centerpiece of the team’s success. They were expected to set the tone for the game and carry the team on their shoulders. But with the rise of specialized relievers, the starting pitcher has become just another piece of the puzzle.
This has led to a decline in the importance of the starting pitcher as a marquee player and a face of the franchise. This, in turn, has had a negative impact on the marketing and promotion of the game. Fans are no longer able to identify with a particular pitcher and follow their career with the same level of passion and excitement.
Also, the decline of the starting pitcher who goes the distance has also had a negative impact on the development of young pitchers. With teams limiting the pitch counts and innings of their starting pitchers, young players are not given the opportunity to develop the endurance and mental toughness required to pitch deep into games. This not only hinders their development as pitchers but also limits their potential to become great players.
And of course, the decline of the starting pitcher who goes the distance has also had an impact on the overall pace of the game. With more pitchers being used and more pitching changes being made, the game has become slower and less exciting (even with the new rule changes).
Despite these negative consequences, it is important to note that the shift towards a more specialized approach to pitching has been driven by a desire to win games and minimize the risk of injury. With pitchers throwing harder and harder, there is a greater risk of arm injuries, and teams are understandably cautious about overusing their pitchers. In addition, the use of specialized relievers has been shown to be an effective strategy for winning games, and teams are understandably focused on winning.
All this said, it is also important to recognize that there is still a place for the starting pitcher who goes the distance in today’s game. While it may not be practical for pitchers to throw complete games on a regular basis, there are still situations in which it makes sense to leave a pitcher in the game for a longer period of time. For example, in a critical game or in a situation where the bullpen is depleted, a starting pitcher who is able to go deep into the game can be a valuable asset.
In my opinion, the decline of the starting pitcher who goes the distance should not be seen as an inevitability. With a renewed focus on developing endurance and mental toughness in young pitchers, it is possible to reverse this trend and bring back the art of pitching. By emphasizing the importance of complete games and encouraging pitchers to develop the skills necessary to pitch deep into games, we can ensure that the tradition of great starting pitchers continues for generations to come. I admit, it’s a long shot given how far the game has strayed. Maybe it’s just the fan in me holding out hope. Clayton Kershaw, Justin Verlander, Shohei Ohtani; are they the last of the warrior breed who can take them out, and potentially over the mound for nine innings? It sure is starting to feel that way.
Chris Epting is the author of a number of baseball books including Roadside Baseball.
