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Some of the legendary pitching duels of yesteryear were centered around complete games. Some starting pitchers even went extra innings. Today, that sort of behavior is unheard of as only a few pitchers have the strength, stamina, and desire to pitch a complete game. The game of baseball has changed a great deal, and many factors work against the concept of a pitcher going nine innings. Here are a few factors that contribute to this particular phenomenon in baseball.

Stamina

One could argue that the pitchers of today simply do not have the stamina to go nine innings. After five or six innings, most starting pitchers have run up pitch counts and are ready to be replaced. To be sure, pitchers work out all year round and they lift weights, which is something that old-time pitchers never did. However, there seems to be something missing that causes them to run out of gas long before the game is over.

Strategy and specialization

Part of the issue is how the game is managed. Today there are long-relievers, short-relievers, left-handed setup guys, right-handed setup guys, and closers. Some players are groomed for these positions long before they reach the major leagues. What is interesting is that you have a starter who can go 6-9 innings, but then you have a closer that can only throw one, or at the most, two innings. What would happen if you sent a closer out there for five innings? Would his arm fall off?

Contracts

Much of the shift also has to do with contracts. Because quality pitching is often in demand, clubs are reluctant to burn out their best pitchers. That is also fine with the pitchers themselves who don't want to risk injury and fatigue. After all, more lucrative contracts could be waiting for them if they stay relatively healthy and productive.

Upbringing

One also might argue that this has become the baseball culture. Kids are certainly specializing earlier in their lives, but they are also growing up in a different society. Old-timers have suggested that because the modern culture is less agricultural, kids don't grow up doing tough chores around the farm. Therefore, some suggest that today's players are "softer" than players in prior generation. Making a statistical argument for this theory may be difficult, but it is an interesting concept nonetheless.

Precedence

Overall, the game has simply changed to the point where players just don't pitch complete games anymore. Because of specialization, strategy, and habits, it is rare for a pitcher today to go all nine innings. Given the opportunity, most people will work less time if they get paid the same amount. In the case of the pitcher, all he needs is wins. If he can get a win in 5 innings, so be it.

Learn more about this author, Todd Pheifer.
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