BASEBALL DESIGNATED HITTER Meaning and
Definition
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A Baseball designated hitter (DH) is a specialized position in the sport of baseball, primarily used in the American League. The role of the designated hitter is to bat in place of the pitcher, who traditionally does not bat in this league, allowing teams to have a highly skilled hitter in the lineup without compromising pitching abilities. The DH's primary responsibilities revolve around hitting for the pitcher, focusing solely on offensive contributions while keeping the pitcher solely focused on their pitching duties.
The designated hitter typically occupies the ninth spot in the lineup, and they do not play any fielding position. When their turn to bat comes, the DH steps up to the plate instead of the pitcher, eliminating the need for the pitcher to bat or be replaced in the lineup. As a result, the DH's role boils down to providing consistent offensive production and adding power and efficiency to the team's batting order.
The DH position was introduced in the American League in 1973 in order to add excitement to the game by incorporating more hitting opportunities. This unique aspect creates an interesting dynamic between leagues, as the National League (NL) does not include designated hitters, maintaining the traditional rule of the pitcher batting.
