Another influential player in our game today is Ronald Acura Jr. Acuna Jr., who plays for the Atlanta Braves and was the 2023 NL MVP. He had an earth-shattering season with a 0.337 batting average, 41 home runs, 106 RBIs, and 73 stolen bases. After all was said and done, Acuna Jr. accomplished a feat more incredible than winning the MVP. He became the first player in MLB history to have a 40/70 season, 40 home runs and 70 stolen bases. The modern-day players of the game are still as awe-inspiring as the greats who have come before them.

While the framework of baseball has remained constant for over 100 years, there have recently been rule changes impacting baseball in several ways. One major rule change was the addition of replay review. In 2008, the MLB came to the conclusion that blown calls were deciding too many games. Therefore, they implemented a challenge system in which a team can challenge almost any call that they disagree with. However, they only have a limited time, and once the next play begins, they are no longer allowed to challenge.

Another major rule change was the addition of the “ghost runner” on second base. If a game in the regular season goes into extra innings, each team will start the inning with a runner on second base. This rule was implemented during the 2020 shortened COVID season. It prioritized increasing offense during extra innings games in an attempt to decide the outcome quicker.

While these changes have been fairly recent, the most recent rule changes were implemented in 2023. It was during the 2023 season that saw the addition of the pitch clock. Pitchers have 15 seconds in between pitches when no runners are on base. When there are runners on the base, the pitcher will be given 18 seconds in between pitches. If the pitcher fails to pitch within a timely manner, he will be given an automatic ball. As for the batter, they must be in the batter's box by the time the timer displays 8 seconds. They are only provided one timeout per at bat, and if they fail to ready themselves, they will be given an automatic strike. All of these changes were implemented in order to speed up the pace of all MLB games. While some of the rules may have changed, the heart and spirit of the game remains the same.

What I love most about baseball is the sense of community it creates. Whether you're cheering on your favorite team at the stadium or playing a pickup game with friends at the local park, baseball has a way of bringing people together. The shared experience of rooting for a common goal or celebrating a hard-fought victory creates bonds that can last a lifetime.

As I reflect on my own personal connection to baseball, I am reminded of the countless hours spent practicing in the backyard with family and friends. The adrenaline rush of pitching in games. As well as attending New York Mets games with family on warm summer evenings. These memories are not just about the sport itself but also about the relationships and memories that baseball has forever brought into my life.