Major League Baseball has implemented a pitch clock this season in an attempt to speed up the pace of games. The Associated Press recently tweeted that the pitch clock has been effective, with games moving much faster than before. However, the increased speed of play is having unintended consequences for beer vendors at ballparks.
According to The Associated Press tweet, at least four teams have extended alcohol sales through the eighth inning this season due to the decreased game time. This move is designed to give fans more time to buy beer during a shorter game.
One such team is the Los Angeles Dodgers, who announced earlier this month that they would extend alcohol sales through the end of the eighth inning starting on April 9th. Dodgers President Stan Kasten said in a statement that “we want our fans to enjoy everything Dodger Stadium has to offer and not miss a minute of our exciting games.”
Many baseball fans are already accustomed to buying beer throughout a game as they watch their favorite teams play. However, some worry that extending alcohol sales could lead to overconsumption and unsafe behavior among fans.
This isn’t the first time that Major League Baseball has tried measures intended to shorten game times. In 2018, MLB introduced limited mound visits per game and reduced commercial breaks between innings in an effort to keep games under three hours.
However, despite these efforts it seems clear that there will always be unintended consequences when trying new methods for speeding up play during baseball games – even if they are successful overall.
While some may argue against extending alcohol sales during games altogether or see it as encouraging excessive drinking habits among fans; others believe it’s simply part of enjoying America’s pastime. Ultimately though, it’s important for everyone involved with Major League Baseball – from owners and players down through vendors selling food and drink – focus on making sure all attendees stay safe while enjoying themselves at today’s lively baseball events across America!