Nostalgia Trip

One of the forgotten treasures of baseball needs to make a comeback sooner rather than later. The bullpen cart was once a staple of baseball in the 70’s and 80’s, but has since faded away. Now I understand the notion that a professional athlete needs a golf cart to bring them to the mound is absurd but hear me out. Baseball is a sport that while great is resistant to change, but sometimes change can be good. With so much emphasis being put on speeding up the game, it’s time for the bullpen cart to make its triumphant comeback.

The first origins of the bullpen cart date back to the 1950’s when the Chicago White Sox and Cleveland Indians started using one to deliver relief pitchers to the mound. However, a New York beat writer was unimpressed stating that "Chicago is going bush. Just like Cleveland”. Chicago in response, gets a black limousine provided by a local funeral home to bring out opposing bullpen pitchers. The A’s eventually start using one but, the Sox abandoned using the cart because fans pelted the vehicle with debris. And by the 1960’s many teams started ushering pitchers into the games with golf carts as a way to save time. The trend continued until the Milwaukee Brewers retired the last official bullpen cart in 1995. But, in 2012 the Sugar Land Skeeters of the Atlantic League re-introduced the baseball world to the bullpen cart. And this one was tricked out, not only was it battery powered but, it came with leather seats, a sound system and a cup holder.

Now while I might be championing the bullpen cart, I understand that there may be a few issues that need to be ironed out.

1. Will pitchers be required to ride in the cart?

The answer to that is no. However, if a pitcher chooses to not ride in the cart that doesn’t prevent the cart from being able to take a lap around the field.

2. Will It save that much time?

I mean you tell me MLB, you’re so concerned about how fast a pitcher delivers a pitch that you implemented a pitch clock in the minor leagues. So, the idea of shaving a few seconds off a trip to the mound should appeal to you guys.

3. Where would teams store the vehicles?

I’m pretty sure that an MLB team can find room to store an extra golf cart sized vehicle in their giant stadium.

4. How would you know when to start up the cart?

This shouldn’t be that hard. Someone’s warming up in the pen, warm up the cart.

5. What if it’s raining and the field is susceptible to tire tracks?

Two options here. One, drive on the warning track and drag the field behind you. If you don’t know what dragging the field is, it’s kind of like what hockey does with the Zamboni in that it resurfaces the field. Option number two, hovercraft's they exist and come in 4-seater models.

6. What about places like Tampa Bay and Oakland where the bullpen is located down the line?

Get a motorized scooter with a sidecar, it’s smaller and easier to get out of.

Now while there may be more questions, about the feasibility of bullpen carts I’ll save those for a later date. Bullpen carts would also be a way for teams to add in a uniqueness to their franchise and would give them marketing opportunities. For a brief period of time the Seattle Mariners had a bullpen cart in the shape of a tugboat, and while not popular with relievers it still was pretty cool. The Yankees used to have a pinstriped Toyota Datsun chauffer Goose Gossage to the mound. The Phillies used to bring out their relievers in a little fire truck and opposing pitchers in gas truck, the possibilities are endless. Also, the possibility of adding a bullpen cart race to the MLB All-Star weekend could create a little bit of excitement.

Baseball has a reputation for being up-tight and these new pace of play rules aren’t helping shake that label. However, it’s time to remind ourselves that this is a game and the purpose of a game is to have fun and to be entertained. The idea of bringing back the bullpen cart is not to force it down the throats of the players and fans, but rather to provide a little bit of nostalgia that can be enjoyed by all.

#Bullpen #BullpenCarts #OutofLeftField