Baseball is meant to be a complete game—where every player contributes on both sides of the ball. The current use of the Designated Hitter has removed a key element of strategy, toughness, and authenticity from the sport. For decades, pitchers were expected to step into the batter’s box just like everyone else. This created real decision-making moments for managers, added unpredictability to games, and reinforced the idea that baseball players should be well-rounded athletes—not specialists limited to one role. Today, that balance is gone. Players like Shohei Ohtani have proven that it is still possible to excel as both a pitcher and a hitter at the highest level. Instead of eliminating that standard, Major League Baseball should be encouraging it. We believe: • Every player on the field should participate fully in the game • Strategy and in-game decision-making should be restored • The sport should develop more complete, versatile athletes • Fans deserve a more authentic and competitive version of baseball The designated hitter removes challenge, reduces strategy, and weakens the integrity of the game. If you can’t hit, you shouldn’t be exempt—you should develop the skill or not play the position. Baseball isn’t meant to be easy. It’s meant to be complete. ⸻ ✍️ Call to Action: We call on Major League Baseball to: • Eliminate the universal designated hitter rule • Restore pitcher batting in all leagues • Encourage development of two-way and complete players e.g. “As a daily commuter in Chicago, I have experienced the lack of...” If one player can do it all, the rest of the league should HAVE to.