It's a simple concept, yet it's the most difficult sport to play in many ways. But not too much has changed in all those years.
However, the simple stick and ball sport has become increasingly complicated with technological advances, not just taking over what viewers see on their TV screens, but what occurs on the field as well.
We've seen the strike zone box for a while now and we've grown so accustomed to seeing it is strange watching replays without it on screen. We must know precisely where that pitch was when it crossed home plate. Then we can either quietly agree with the decision made by the umpire or grumble at the strike call that was outside by half an inch.
We can only hope these grumblings don't reach Major League Baseball enough to resort to automated calls for balls and strikes.
Unfortunately, it's already creeping into the lower levels. Players will still complain. They just won't have a human there to hear it anymore.
And that's only one thing we have to worry about changing in baseball in the next few years. Be prepared to buy a new rule book.
Next season, say goodbye to those lefty vs. lefty pitching changes in the seventh and eighth innings. MLB wants pitchers to face a minimum of three batters.
Yes, it'll help the pace of play. But taking away strategic moves isn't the answer for shortening the game length. That's why the number of mound visits keeps lowering and why time between innings is being cut.
Then there's the debate about defensive shifts.
With the influx of data becoming available, teams are able to study an endless number of tendencies by batters and defensive shifts have steadily become more of the norm.
Well, that's making it too hard to get hits, so that could eventually get the axe too.
Here's an idea: force the batters to counter the shifts by either hitting the ball to the opposite field or over the infielders. Or just sneak a bunt down the third-base line. It's about hitting it where they ain't, not moving the fielders to where the ball ain't.
Getting rid of defensive shifts would be like full-court defenses being outlawed in basketball. Sorry, that style of play makes it too difficult for the offense, let's get rid of it.
Wouldn't taking away an advantage for the defense mean more hits and runs? More offense equals longer games and longer games equals angry MLB. In the end, are you really fixing what you want fixed?
Don't change baseball, let baseball change on its own.