Two years ago, Major League Baseball added a PITCH CLOCK to the game.
Recognizing the pitcher may need more or less time depending on circumstances, it works like this:
MLB has different time limits for the pitch clock depending on the situation. They are:
- 15 seconds with no runners on base.
- 20 seconds with runners on.
- 30 seconds between batters.
Batters must be in the batter’s box and ready to hit with eight seconds left, and catchers must be in the catcher’s box with nine seconds remaining.
Pitchers must be in their leg kick by the time the pitch clock hits zero.
The purpose, of course, is to speed up the pace of the game.
In my opinion, other activities in life demand a pitch clock. I’m not certain this list is exhaustive, but let’s start with:
Women searching for a wallet in the grocery store line. Why do they wait until the very last item is in the bag, and the cashier says, “That will be $219.27.” Did they not know they were going to need to pay?
Response time for a trumper to answer, “ Tell me one good quality about the man.”
The time you should wait for a doctor to come into the exam room. I’m sitting on this deli wrapping paper with my pants down to my ankles. Does anyone know I am here? Where is Mr. Lazarus, I know he was here an hour ago.
How long should we allow someone to ask about the shipping options at the post office on December 20th?
How about traffic lights when you are waiting to enter from a small side street? On Hilton Head, you could send out for pizza delivery while waiting to enter Route 278 from Shelter Cove Lane.
How about an 85-year-old trying to decide to turn left or right at the intersection?
Listening to a recorded message while on hold for Apple Customer Service?
Waiting for the plumber to arrive when your toilet is overflowing?
Waiting for Lazarus to publish his next book?