currently, only teams in the National league allow their pitchers to hit. The American League uses the DH (designated hitter) to bat for their pitchers. However, the DH is a very recent amendment to the game. Even the American League pitchers used to hit. The DH was instituted in 1973.
Dave McNally in 1969 and 1970 with the Baltimore Orioles
There are two leagues in American major league baseball, the American League and the National League. The American League has the designated hitter rule which allows for someone other than the pitcher to bat in the pitcher's place. The pitcher does not bat in the American League. The National League does not have the designated hitter rule. The pitcher does bat in the National League.
During World Series games played in National League ballparks, National League rules are enforced, and the pitchers will both bat like any other position player. During World Series games played in American League ballparks, American League rules are in effect, and both teams have the option use a designated hitter and the pitcher will not bat if this option is taken. If, however, a DH is later put into a game as a position player, the DH option is then lost, and the pitcher must bat.
The owners of the National League have decided not to adopted the DH rule the way the American League owners have. As things look now, it doesn't appear as if the DH will ever be in the National League. Even in the American League, the DH is a recent addition. The American League (founded as a part of MLB in 1901) let their pitchers hit, just like the National League teams all the way til 1973.
The American League uses a designated hitter. Some exceptions: If an American League team plays at a National League Park (Yankees play at Shea Stadium or the new Citi Field against the Mets) then the American League team can't use a Designated Hitter. If a National League team plays at an American League Park (Mets play at Yankees Stadium) then the National League team is allowed to use a designated hitter.
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Bob Gibson
Yes. The designated hitter rule was not adopted in the National League, therefore pitchers are part of the batting order. During the World Series, the designated hitter rule is used in games played in the American League park and not used in games played in the National League park.
yes many pitchers have like C.C or carlos zambrano
American League Pitchers who have hit Homeruns during Interleague Play during the Regular Season as of 1997 are C.C. Sabathia, Dave Burba, Dwight Gooden and Jason Davis, all with the Cleveland Indians. C.C. Sabathia hit 2 Homeruns during Interleague Play, 1 against the Cincinnati Reds and the other 1 against the Los Angeles Dodgers. Both Burba and Gooden went yard against the Cincinnati Reds while Jason Davis hit a Homerun while playing the Atlanta Braves.
American league.:0