As lifelong fans and concerned observers of Major League Baseball (MLB), we have seen how the "ghost runner" rule has drastically altered the nature of the game. This rule, introduced as a precaution during the COVID-19 pandemic, is no longer required. Albeit designed to shorten the duration of games, its effects have been far-reaching, changing the very essence of a sport that many of us adore.

Baseball is a game rooted in tradition, strategy, and earned outcomes. The introduction of the "ghost runner" rule — automatically placing a runner on second base at the start of each half-inning in extras — was meant as a temporary solution during extraordinary times. However, its continued use has distorted the nature of extra-inning play and diminished the value of hard-fought games.

We believe:

• Every base should be earned — not given.
• Strategy and endurance are part of what makes extra innings thrilling and meaningful.
• The rule alters statistics, unfairly impacts pitchers, and leads to outcomes that feel contrived rather than earned.

The numerous alternative methods to keep games concise, without infracstructurally altering the tradition and character that has defined baseball for over a century, have already been implemented.

The beauty of baseball lies in its strategy, its pacing, and its traditions. We believe it's possible to maintain those while still ensuring the wellbeing of the players and fan base.

For the love of the tradition, for the preservation of our game, and for the future generations of fans who deserve the chance to watch the sport as it has been played for years, we urge MLB and the governing bodies to abolish the "ghost runner" rule. 

As fans, we want the game to be played the way it was intended: with integrity, competitive balance, and respect for the sport’s history. We urge MLB to remove the ghost runner rule and restore the tradition of playing full, competitive baseball in extra innings.