New Rules

In the middle of May, I was watching a random baseball game (like I do) because there wasn't much on during a day off I had.  I believe it was Tampa Bay and Kansas City.  Not exactly a marquee match up, hence the afternoon baseball game televised on MLB Network.  During the game a batter hit a hard and fast line drive foul and the ball boy made a great jumping catch preventing the ball from going into the stands and possibly hurt someone.  It got me to thinking, what are some fun (most most likely not going to happen) new rules for the sport of baseball.  Here's a list of fun things that can enhance the game we all love.

1.) If a ballboy/boygirl makes a leaping or diving catch before the ball hits the ground, the batter is out. 
2.) If a ball is hit into the opposing bullpen, the ball can be thrown back into play.
3.) No more dome stadiums.  Retractable roofs are acceptable.
4.) Teams are limited to seven (7) shifts per game.
5.) 'Take Me Out to the Ballgame.' is the only song to be played during the seventh inning stretch.
6.) Bat flips are mandatory for no doubt home runs.  No bat flip, runs don't count.
7.) All teams are required to attempt three (3) stolen bases each game.  If requirement is not met, the game is forfeit.
8.) Pitchers are restricted to four (4) throw overs to first base per runner.
9.) If first base is unoccupied a batter can attempt to take the base, regardless of pitch count, on a wild pitch or passed ball.

I tweeted these all out after the play in the Tampa/Kansas City game just for fun.  Then I got to thinking about some of these actually becoming part of the game.  One thing that a lot of people who don't like baseball say is that the pace of play is too slow.  They say it takes too long to complete the game.  Personally, unless the game is creeping into the five hour territory, I don't think the games are too slow.  Not all games are exciting to watch, I will admit, especially if it's two teams that are struggling.  If you make a rule like limiting shifts per game or limiting throws over to first base you keep the pitcher on task of throwing to the batter so the game keeps moving.  If you require a team to attempt stolen bases you force the game to move forward.  It creates excitement.  Stolen bases are fun.  You also create an opportunity for an out thus making an inning that much shorter.