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CNN Live At Daybreak

ASK CNN: What Is the Designated Hitter Rule, and Why Does It Only Apply to One League?

Aired July 10, 2001 - 07:50   ET

THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.

THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

TRACE HANCOCK, BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS: Hi, my name's Trace Hancock, and I'm from Boston, Massachusetts. I would like to ask CNN, What is the designated hitter rule, and why does it only apply to one league?

BOB COSTAS, HBO'S "ON THE RECORD": The American League instituted the designated hitter in the early 1970s, at a time when offense was at a near-all-time low. Pitchers were totally dominating. The idea was to put an extra bat in the lineup. Also the American League, at that time, lagged behind the National League in popularity.

All the reasons for the DH has since been turned upside down. Offense is booming all around baseball, and in fact, any reason that would have justified the DH in the past doesn't exist now.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

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