MLB needs to stop changing rules

For those who follow my column, you know I am a diehard baseball fan.
There is only one MLB team that I will ever love or cheer for — the Red Sox, but I love going to games any chance I can or watching it on TV.
But one thing I can’t stand is how ridiculous the rules in baseball are getting.
I have written about my disappointment in professional baseball having the ability to challenge balls and strikes, at least in the minors for now, and I am torn about whether or not it’s OK to have challenges in the MLB for things like home runs or calls on the bases.
Then last week, I watched the All Star game after deadline day, which is very important for my mental health to wind down.
It was a good game, although I wish the teams took it more seriously and only played the best players or substituted strategically instead of the “everyone plays” mentality.
Then it got to extra innings, and my blood pressure boiled after it was announced that they would be having a swing off to decide who won, instead of playing extra innings, like every other game.
While a friend pointed out to me that there was a year when both teams ran out of players, and it was deemed a tie, I think changing the rules is completely ridiculous.
For the entire season, baseball games are determined at the end of nine innings or extra innings in case of a tie.
Baseball, the night before, also had a home run derby. If they want to hold a two-day home run derby tournament, or another version of skills competition, then they should. But randomly having essentially a mini home run derby is disappointing to me.
Maybe I am wrong. Let me know if you disagree: amalm@steelecountytimes.com
Positive Story
I figured I should end my column on a positive note, especially since it is summer.
Last week, I had to go to the eye doctor for an appointment in the morning, thinking I would have no problem making a 1 p.m. video interview with new Kasson-Mantorville Superintendent Beth Giese.
What I didn’t take into account was whether I would be able to see my computer screen after.
My eyes were dilated, and I was asked to sit in a waiting room while they waited for the doctor to be available, in order to free up an exam room.
I quickly realized I could barely see my phone. I was in a panic, wanting to let Giese know that I may have to push back the interview if I couldn’t see.
Not being able to see my phone to text her, I asked a very pleasant elderly person sitting next to me, “Excuse me, are your eyes dilated too?”
She told me yes, and I told her I was trying to send a text and was going to ask her if she could read my phone.
Then she offered me her magnifying glass to look at my phone, which I did.
She did not owe me a thing, and had never seen me before, and probably would never see me again, but she was nice and offered me help.
I hope to pay the kindness forward soon.