Baseball's Conflict of Law

Authors

Mark W. Cochran, St. Mary's University School of LawFollow

Journal Title

Mississippi Sports Law Review

Volume

6

Issue

2

First Page

141

Document Type

Article

Publication Information

Spring 2017

Abstract

There is a conflict of laws in Major League Baseball, resulting from the National League’s refusal to adopt the Designated Hitter Rule, and the American League’s refusal to abandon it. As is often the case when rules of two jurisdictions diverge, the conflict reflects a difference in priorities and philosophies between the two leagues. By adopting and maintaining the Designated Hitter Rule, the American League demonstrates its preference for offensive output at the expense of baseball tradition. The National League preserves tradition by adhering to the natural law of baseball.

Recommended Citation

Mark Cochran, Baseball’s Conflict of Law, 6 Miss. Sports L. Rev. 141 (2016-2017).