Finally opening, why the Galapagos Central League has no choice but to introduce DH

Aug 05, 2025

Finally opening, why the Galapagos Central League has no choice but to introduce DH
Hanshin, who ranks first in the Central League, has lost 8-10 in the Pacific League and the Interleague. The Central League, where pitchers hit, decided to introduce designated hitters in 2027. Photo capture = Hanshin Tigers SNS



Finally opening, why the Galapagos Central League has no choice but to introduce DH
Orix Yamamoto, the 2023 Pacific League MVP, and Hanshin Murakami, the Central League MVP. The Pacific League introduced designated hitters in 1975, and the Central League decided to implement them in 2027. Photo capture = Hanshin Tigers SNS
Finally, the scene where the pitcher hits awkwardly like 'Out Count Maker' disappears. The Japanese Professional Baseball (NPB) Central League will introduce designated hitter (DH). The Central League announced at a board meeting held on the 4th that it will implement the designated hitter system from 2027 after a year and a half preparation period. He explained that he had a grace period in consideration of the change in the existing player scouting method.

Former Giants manager Tatsunori Hara said "The view and way of watching baseball will change." He said "When there is a designated hitter, the pitcher can concentrate on pitching, and there is one position devoted to hitting. It also helps to shorten the game time." Former coach Ha-ra has been on fire since 2019, insisting on introducing a designated hitter to the Central League.

The majority of Central League pitchers do not hit passively, or try to bunt when there is a runner. The flow of offense is often cut off at the pitcher's at-bat. After the middle of the game, a pinch hitter enters the pitcher's at-bat.




Yakult Swallows 'Legends'Shinya Miyamoto, 55, said "I'm dissatisfied with why it's not being introduced immediately from next year, but I welcome it because it's been proposed for a long time. I feel like I'm finally freed from the sense of crisis that the Central League is behind the times."

The KBO League was launched in 1982 with a designated hitter and is so natural. In the Major League, the American League set up a designated hitter who only hit without burden of defense in 1973. The National League rejected the designated hitter in the name of maintaining its baseball identity, but accepted the change through the COVID-19 period.

The Japanese professional baseball Pacific League has been playing designated hitter since 1975. In the Korea-U.S.-Japan professional league, the Central League is the only team that hits pitchers. 갈라파고스처럼
Finally opening, why the Galapagos Central League has no choice but to introduce DH
Softbank, which slowed down at the beginning of the season, finished first in the interleague and led the Pacific League. Photo capture = Softbank Hawks SNS
After sticking to the existing method, it cannot hold out and opens the door.

Until now, Central League teams have also used designated hitters in interleague (exchange matches) and Japan Series games hosted by Pacific League teams. Softbank Hawks head coach Hiroki Kokubo proposed introducing the interleague this year at a meeting of heads of 12 teams in both leagues in January, but it was not adopted. Central League leaders, including Yakult coach Shingo Takatsu and Hiroshima Carp coach Arai, opposed it.

This year's Interleague had a huge impact on the Central League. Six Pacific League teams dominated the Central League and swept the first to sixth places. Hiroshima Carp was the only one to finish seventh with 9 wins, 9 losses, and a 50% win rate. Yakult won only five games in 18 games. In the meantime, the Pacific League has been strong, but there has been no season where the gap has widened as much as this year. Most baseball experts cited the designated hitter system as one of the reasons for the weakness of the Central League.

Various international competitions such as the World Baseball Classic (WBC), Premier 12, and the Olympics are also using designated hitters. Japanese amateur baseball also chose to change after active discussions. Designated hitters can enter the pitching position from next spring's Koshien tournament (starting high school baseball tournament). The Tokyo 6th University League and the Kansai University League will also be designated hitters starting next spring.




Finally opening, why the Galapagos Central League has no choice but to introduce DH
Hara Former Yomiuri suggested introducing designated hitters to the Central League from 2019. He said "The designated hitter will change the way he sees baseball" Photo capture =Miuri Giants SNS
If there is a designated hitter, the burden of hitting disappears, reducing the risk of injury to the pitcher. Opportunities go to players who are weak in defense but have strength in hitting. In addition, veteran players with poor defensive skills can play for a longer time. Overall, it is evaluated that it is helpful for baseball activities due to its many advantages.



Reporter Min Chang-ki huelva@sportschosun.com



This article was translated by Naver AI translator.