The designated hitter rule was added for the American League in 1973 as a way to increase offense and, as a result, attendance. Predictably scoring did increase (by approximately 29%) in 1973.

But to say the designated hitter has not been embraced by all baseball fans is quite an understatement. It is unquestionably the most hotly debated topic in baseball over the past 35 years. Neither league seems to have much interest in volunteering to change, which means for now baseball will continue to be the only major professional sport to play under more than one set of rules.

Proponents of the DH rule will point out that the rule accomplishes what it set out to do, increase offense. And more offense equals more excitement for fans. The MLB Players Union also strongly favors the rule as it allows older players who are no longer proficient in the field a chance to continue playing when they may otherwise be forced into retirement (think Edgar Martinez or Frank Thomas).

Those opposed to the rule counter that the DH eliminates some of the strategies that make baseball so exciting. When a pitcher is pitching well late in a game and comes to the plate, should the manager keep him in the game or remove him for a better offensive option? Additionally offense has increased tremendously since the early 1970s, so many will argue that the rule is no longer needed to serve it’s intended purpose.

Naturally most fans of American League teams are in favor of the designated hitter rule while most fans of National League teams are opposed. What is you opinion? Is it time for baseball to make one rule for both leagues? If so, should the DH be eliminated or expanded?

Roberto Alomar is a 12-time All-Star and 10-time Gold Glove second baseman, had a .300 batting average, 210 homers and 474 steals in 17 major league seasons.

Edgar Martinez spent all 18 seasons with the Seattle Mariners, winning two AL batting titles and finishing with a .312 average and 309 homers. A seven-time All-Star, he was a designated hitter in 1,412 of 2,055 career regular-season games.

Barry Larkin was a 12-time All-Star and three-time Gold Glove shortstop in 19 seasons, all with the Cincinnati Reds. He had a .295 career average with 198 homers and won the 1995 NL MVP award.

Fred McGriff is tied with Lou Gehrig for 26th on the career home run with 493 and had a .284 average in 19 seasons. He led the AL in homers for the Toronto Blue Jays in 1989 and the NL for the San Diego Padres in 1992.

Mark McGwire, who was hired last month as hitting coach of the St. Louis Cardinals, is on the ballot for the fourth time. Although he hit 583 homers, eighth on the career list, he has been stigmatized since his 2005 congressional committee testimony, when he dodged questions about potential steroids use. He received 118 votes (22 %) in last year’s vote, down from 128 in each of his first two tries.

Who do you feel should make it on January 6th?

Full Ballot: Roberto Alomar, Kevin Appier, Harold Baines, Bert Blyleven, Ellis Burks, Andre Dawson, Andres Galarraga, Pat Hentgen, Mike Jackson, Eric Karros, Ray Lankford, Barry Larkin, Edgar Martinez, Don Mattingly, Fred McGriff, Mark McGwire, Jack Morris, Dale Murphy, Dave Parker, Tim Raines, Shane Reynolds, David Segui, Lee Smith, Alan Trammell, Robin Ventura, Todd Zeile

Rules for Qualification and Election to the Baseball Hall of Fame