Major League Baseball is about to make a major rule change, altering how intentional walks are handed out. Instead of a pitcher throwing four pitches out of the strike zone, the walk will be awarded by a signal from the dugout, ESPN reported Tuesday night.
The network said the league and its union have agreed to the change, which will take effect this season. MLB has been trying to make its games shorter. However, The Wall Street Journal said last week that the change would save an average of 14 seconds per game.
Fans are not happy about the change, with many pointing out that botched intentional walks have led to game-changing moments.
Wikipedia: Intentional base on balls.
(Score: 2) by Hawkwind on Friday February 24 2017, @11:39PM
Beyond the age reference as far as I know your off. I'm under the impression nationwide baseball demographics cut across social groups (in N California I would say we're rather liberal). And the international following is growing, which continues to raise the quality of the talent pool.
And dumb, compared to other US sports fans? Again I'm under the impression that baseball's nerd base is the strongest you'll find in American sports.