The practice of placing a “man on second base” at the start of extra innings in Major League Baseball has been a controversial rule change implemented relatively recently. In 2021, MLB instituted this rule in an effort to quicken the pace of play, prevent overly long extra-inning games, and limit additional strain on pitching staffs. However, many baseball traditionalists have objected to the rule change as an unnecessary deviation from the pure competition of the game.
When did the “Man on Second” Rule Start in MLB?
Major League Baseball first implemented the rule of placing a runner on second base at the start of extra innings for the shortened 2020 season. This season was shortened to 60 games due to the COVID-19 pandemic, so MLB instituted a number of temporary rule changes aimed at shortening games and protecting players’ health. The “man on second” rule was one of these changes.
The rule was as follows: when a game went into extra innings, each team would start their half-inning with a runner on second base. This runner would be the player in the batting order immediately preceding that inning’s leadoff hitter. So if the number 5 hitter was leading off the 10th inning, the number 4 hitter would start on second base. The intention was to increase the likelihood of a run being scored and the game ending quicker.
While initially intended as a temporary 2020-only rule change, MLB decided to keep the “man on second” rule in place for the 2021 season. It has remained in effect for all extra-inning games since then.
What Was the Rationale Behind Starting Extra Innings With a Man on Second Base?
There were a few key reasons MLB decided to implement this rule change starting in 2020:
- Shorten extra-inning games: Extra-inning games increase fatigue and strain on pitching staffs. Starting an inning with a man in scoring position aimed to increase the chance of a run scoring and the game ending sooner.
- Protect player health/safety: With a shortened season and expanded rosters, MLB wanted to limit extra strain on pitchers’ arms whenever possible.
- Improve pace of play: MLB has sought various ways to speed up the pace of game in recent years. Not having endless extra-inning marathons was part of this initiative.
- Add excitement: Having a “free” baserunner on second at the start of each extra inning was intended to make those innings more exciting right from the start.
The tactic certainly achieved some of these goals in 2020 and 2021. The average extra-inning game length decreased from around 30 minutes to 17 minutes. But some argued the rule change went too far in manipulating competitive outcomes.
What Was the Response to the Rule Change?
Response to and opinions on the “man on second” extra innings rule have been mixed across various baseball circles.
In Favor:
- MLB executives approved of the quicker pace of play and protective benefits for pitchers.
- Some fans enjoyed the inherent excitement and sense of urgency from the start of extra innings.
- Players enjoyed getting home earlier after road games.
- Analytics teams were intrigued by the introduction of a completely new element into the game.
Opposed:
- Baseball purists saw the rule as unnecessarily manufactured and gimmicky.
- Many fans were upset by the influence on game outcomes and competitive integrity.
- Players disliked that games could end without each team getting an equal number of “last at-bats.”
- Some argued that skills like bunting and base stealing were minimized.
On balance, response seems to be split between newer fans open to change and innovation versus baseball traditionalists opposed to major manipulations of the game.
Has the Rule Led to More Games Ending in the First Extra Inning?
Yes, the numbers show definitively that there have been many more games ending as soon as the first extra inning since this rule was implemented.
| Year | Percentage of Extra-Inning Games Ending in 1st Inning |
|---|---|
| 2019 | 26% |
| 2020 | 41% |
| 2021 | 46% |
As seen in the table, there has been a sizable jump in extra-inning games ending as soon as the first extra frame. In 2019 under normal rules, only 26% of extra-inning contests ended in the first overtime inning. But with the “man on second” in effect for 2020 and 2021, that rapidly increased to 41% and 46% of games ending right in the first extra stanza.
Clearly, the rule is having its intended effect of ending extra-inning games as quickly as possible.
What Other Sports Employ a Similar Rule in Extra Innings/Overtime?
While Major League Baseball is the most prominent example in the United States, some other professional baseball leagues internationally have used a “man on second” rule in extra innings. For example:
- NPB Japan began the rule in 2007 before abandoning it in 2011.
- KBO Korea adopted the rule in 2015 and still uses it currently.
- Chinese Professional Baseball League plays with runners on first and second in extras.
In addition, other sports have variations of rules trying to shorten overtime and ensure it doesn’t go on endlessly.
- Hockey: NHL regular season games have a five minute 3-on-3 overtime followed by a shootout if still tied.
- Football: In college football, each team gets one possession starting at the 25 yard line.
- Basketball: NBA overtime is sudden death first score wins.
So while MLB may have drawn the most attention, implementing rules to limit extra periods is not uncommon across various sports.
Could the Rule Be Expanded to Regular 9 Inning Games in the Future?
While highly speculative, some baseball insiders have theorized that the “man on second” rule in extra innings could potentially be expanded to the 9th inning of regular games in the future. Here are some possibilities theorized:
- Start the 9th inning of tie games with a runner on 1st or 2nd base.
- If a game is tied going to the bottom of the 9th, start with a man on 2nd base.
- After the 9th inning of a tie game, go straight to placing a man on 2nd rather than playing the normal 10th inning.
The rationale would again be shortening game times and adding excitement. Of course, traditionalists argue this would be an even more egregious manipulation of competitive norms.
Many also point out that manipulating late innings would have huge impacts on pitcher strategy, statistics, and records. It seems unlikely MLB would make such a drastic change, but some around the game speculate on this possibility down the road.
Arguments For Potential 9th Inning Rule Change
- Shorten games and improve TV ratings/viewership.
- Avoid having late innings “not matter” in lopsided games.
- Create excitement – every 9th inning at-bat would be high leverage.
Arguments Against Potential 9th Inning Rule Change
- Would undermine competitive integrity and tradition even more.
- Risk of damaging popularity with baseball’s traditionalist fanbase.
- Could create perverse incentives – losing team might stall to force rule.
- Statistics and records would require major asterisks.
Could MLB Ever Remove the Extra Innings Runner Rule?
There is always the possibility of MLB reversing course in the future if there is enough backlash against the “man on second” extra innings rule. However, once rules are changed, it is difficult to go back.
Here are some circumstances under which MLB might consider removing the rule:
- New commissioner replaces Manfred – he championed the change.
- Rule blamed for decreasing popularity/ratings.
- Competitive problems emerge – injuries, strategy issues, asterisks on records.
- Players/managers lobby for its removal after experiencing negatives.
However, the rule seems entrenched for now. MLB would likely need a strong impetus to make another change after already weathering criticism to implement the rule originally. And some fear going back could lengthen games and undermine reforms.
Reasons MLB Would Consider Removing the Rule
- Fan pressure and anger over manipulated outcomes.
- Players/coaches complain it undermines integrity.
- Analysts present data showing negative impacts.
- Incoming commissioner wants to undo predecessor’s change.
Reasons MLB Would Be Reluctant to Remove the Rule
- Don’t want to flip-flop – would be third change in four years.
- Benefits of shorter games/less player strain still valued.
- Fear of longer games and criticizing reforms.
- No consensus alternative solution to limit extra innings.
Conclusion
Overall, the institution of placing a runner on second base to start extra innings has been a controversial change both within baseball circles and among sports leagues more broadly. While it achieves some of MLB’s stated goals around quicker games and reduced physical strain, many argue it prioritizes these factors too much over competitive purity and tradition.
The effects on statistics and outcomes remain concerning the more this practice expands. However, MLB seems unlikely to revert the change in the short-term given they weathered initial criticism to make the change originally. It remains to be seen whether “normal” extra inning baseball will eventually return, or if this is the new normal.