Quick! How many designated hitters are in the Baseball Hall of Fame?

I think I’d like Major League Baseball more without the Designated Hitter. Hearing Ozzie Guillen’s plan to rotate DH’s in 2010 only amplifies the argument- a debate trailblazer Connie Mack gets the most credit for starting in the early 20th century when the Philadelphia A’s manager grew tired of his poor hitting pitchers.

The 1960’s argument for a DH was a response to the dominant pitching of the era. Apparently, lowering the pitchers mound wasn’t enough of an adjustment.

The conversation has percolated since 1973 when the gimmick was first implemented in the American League.

Baseball’s better off with real baseball players. Not specialists. And for a few reasons. Both league’s should follow the same rule. The DH creates a disproportion in the World Series, and it’s just flat out silly sometimes watching AL pitchers bat in interleague games. The DH will always be more gimmick than tradition. A dumping ground for half-talented weak fielders and has been’s. A plug blocking the flow of prospects. Or maybe it’s this simple; more action at the plate and fewer injuries to pitchers running the bases has proven to be more profitable.

Hall of Fame voters can be finicky, and certainly don’t respect the position of designated hitter either. Carl Yastrzemski, Eddie Murray, George Brett and Paul Molitor are Hall of Famers with (late career) DH experience. No one else. Frank Thomas will join them soon. Maybe more in the future.