American League rejects the DH

CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - Today (2009), the National League steadfastly refuses to incorporate the Designated Hitter, and the American League is just as persistent in keeping it, but it was the National League that proposed the rule change first.

Today in baseball (1928) National League president John Heydler pushed for the DH during the annual winter meetings in Chicago. He got some influential support from New York Giants manager John McGraw. The NL owners approved it. But on December 1, 1928 it was the American League that blocked the DH.

Did you know there are instances where the DH privilege is forfeited? From Major League Baseball Rule 6.10:

• "Once the game pitcher is switched from the mound to a defensive position this move shall terminate the Designated Hitter role for the remainder of the game."

• "Once a pinch hitter bats for any player in the batting order and then enters the game to pitch, this move shall terminate the Designated Hitter role for the remainder of the game."

• "Once the game pitcher bats for the Designated Hitter this move shall terminate the Designated Hitter role for the remainder of the game. (The game pitcher may only pinch hit for the Designated Hitter)."

• "Once a Designated Hitter assumes a defensive position this move shall terminate the Designated Hitter role for the remainder of the game."

Contributing sources:
MLB Rule 6.00
Why offense has increased: Part 2 - The Designated Hitter, by Harold Friend