MLB owners approve one of the game’s most controversial rules: the designated hitter. The owners decide to allow American League teams to implement the rule on an experimental 3-year basis, but the rule becomes a permanent addition to the AL while the National League never adopts it.
In an exhibition game against the Pirates, Larry Hisle of the Twins becomes the first designated hitter used in MLB that spring. Hisle makes the new A.L. rule look good by collecting two home runs and driving in seven runs. Ron Bloomberg of the Yankees will be the first DH to bat in the regular season.