Pitch timers resonate with baseball fans ahead of 2023 MLB season

As Major League Baseball (MLB) implements a series of rule changes for its upcoming season, The Harris Poll surveyed a representative sample of U.S. adults specifically about the introduction of pitch timers and associated pace of play rule changes. Length of game has been a frequent point of criticism against the MLB despite its total average gameplay running less than National Football League (NFL) games and college football games. That said, implementing changes to induce more frequent action may resonate with fans and non-fans alike. Below of the key findings from the recent survey.

A notable portion of those who have watched an MLB game in the past year think the length of a single game is too long. Most people interested in the MLB are aware of the league’s rule changes surrounding pitch clocks.

A third (35%) of those who watched an MLB game in the past year think the length of a single game is too long. Over half (58%) think the length of a single MLB game is about the right length. Two in five (43%) U.S. adults were aware the MLB recently announced a series of rule changes, including restrictions on the length of time allowed for a pitch. Three in five (62%) people interested in the MLB were aware of the rule changes.

The MLB’s implementation of pitch timers and increased plate sizes is supported by a sizable number of those interested in the MLB. These rule changes have the potential to increase MLB viewership.

Half (52%) of those interested in the MLB and two thirds (67%) of those who think MLB games are too long support the implementation of pitch timers. Two in five (42%) people interested in the MLB and 46% of those who think MLB games are too long say they are more likely to watch an MLB game due to the addition of pitch timers.

Two in five (44%) people interested in the MLB support the MLB increasing the size of each base, with a third (31%) reporting they are more likely to watch a game due to the MLB increasing the size of each base.

Four in five (84%) adults interested in the MLB are excited about the upcoming MLB season.

Implementing pitch timers and increasing the size of bases may convince some of those not interested in the MLB to watch a game. 

A quarter (24%) of those not interested in the MLB support the implementation of pitch timers, and a similar number (26%) support the MLB increasing the size of each base.

One in ten (12%) adults not interested in the MLB say they are more likely to watch a game due to the implementation of pitch timers, and a similar number (9%) report that they are more likely to watch an MLB game due to the league increasing base sizes.

These surveys were conducted online in the United States by The Harris Poll from March 3rd, 2023 to March 6th, 2023 among 1,003 respondents. Figures for age, sex, race and ethnicity, education, region, household income, and propensity to be online have been weighted where necessary to bring them into line with their actual proportions within the US population. Respondents for this survey were selected from a pool of potential respondents who have agreed to participate in The Harris Poll’s online research. For this study, the sample data is accurate to within +/- 4.0 percentage points using a 95% confidence level.