New York Mets first baseman Pete Alonso is stirring the pot with a radical proposal: bring hockey-style fighting to Major League Baseball. In a recent interview ahead of the 2025 MLB All-Star Game, Alonso suggested that players who charge the mound shouldn't be automatically ejected. Instead, he envisions a system where combatants can settle their differences one-on-one, similar to hockey.
"If there's one rule I could change, I don't think people should get ejected after charging the mound or fighting," Alonso stated. "So I think it should be hockey style. No teams. No nothing. That's when people can like seriously get hurt. ... If you go out and charge the mound, then you should be able to, but if the pitcher or hitter or whoever charges, if they don't want to fight, they take a knee and then they don't have to fight. But if someone charges the mound, it's one vs. one, hockey style, and then that's it."
Alonso even suggested a rule where the loser of the fight would be ejected, while the winner gets to stay in the game. While entertaining, the idea faces significant hurdles. Concerns about player safety, potential injuries, and the overall image of baseball make it highly unlikely to be implemented.
Critics point out the stark contrast between the cultures of baseball and hockey. Fighting is a more accepted, albeit controversial, part of hockey. However, in baseball, it is rare, and often results in suspensions and fines.
Alonso himself has been involved in bench-clearing incidents, including a memorable encounter with St. Louis Cardinals first base coach Stubby Clapp in 2022. His proposal aims to limit brawls to individual conflicts, preventing larger, more chaotic melees.
While MLB seems more focused on innovations like the Automated Ball-Strike System, Alonso's suggestion has sparked a lively debate among fans and analysts. Whether it's a serious proposal or a playful thought experiment, it highlights the ongoing discussion about the role of aggression and conflict in baseball.
Challenges and Concerns
- Ethical considerations regarding violence in sports.
- Difficulties in regulating suspensions for fights.
- Potential for serious injuries and concussions.
Will MLB Ever Embrace Fighting?
The likelihood of Alonso's vision becoming reality is slim. However, his proposal has reignited a fascinating debate about the boundaries of sportsmanship and the potential for adding a new layer of excitement to the game.