Even though Major League Baseball returned to a normal 162-game schedule this season, several rules introduced during the abbreviated 2020 campaign additionally were brought back.
Among them include doubleheaders remaining seven-inning games. This was implemented last year to reduce the length of games amid the ongoing coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.
While the rule may be successful in getting players off the field as soon as possible, it poses a bit of a dilemma for pitchers flirting with no-hitters. A 1991 rule states that a no-hitter thrown in a seven-inning game does not count as such in the record books.
This transpired last Sunday when Arizona Diamondbacks starter Madison Bumgarner no-hit the Atlanta Braves in seven innings. The dominant performance was celebrated by his teammates despite not officially being counted as a no-hitter.
One MLB employee used the Dodgers winning the 2020 World Series as a comparison to how Bumgarner’s unofficial no-hitter should be viewed, per Britt Ghiroli of The Athletic:
Interesting text from a baseball person.
“So MLB said Bumgarner wasn’t a no-hitter because no telling what would happen with more time? Then how in the world are the Dodgers the world champions?”
— Britt Ghiroli (@Britt_Ghiroli) April 28, 2021
The “baseball person” believes that since Bumgarner’s no-hitter can’t be recognized as official in a seven-inning game, the Dodgers’ World Series title in a shortened season shouldn’t be considered legitimate either.
Of course, many fans would say otherwise, as L.A. had to win a postseason-record 13 games without the benefit of home-field advantage.
LADF raffling authentic 2020 World Series ring
The Los Angeles Dodgers Foundation (LADF) launched a sweepstakes that is giving one lucky fan an opportunity to win an authentic 2020 World Series ring that will be personalized by Jostens. Fans will receive one entry for every $10 donation made online at dodgers.com/win.
The sweepstakes concludes Friday, May 21, and the winner will be notified shortly thereafter. The winner will receive a personalized 2020 Dodgers World Series ring nearly identical to those presented to players.
Net proceeds will directly benefit the LADF’s continued focus on improving education, homelessness, health care and social justice in local communities.
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