The basic elements of baseball remain essentially the same as they were when the first professional game was played in the 1870s. Changes in this sport -- when they come -- come slowly. In 1973 American League owners voted to add one player to the traditional nine-man line-up, creating a "10-man game" in which a designated hitter had a regular spot in the batting order, and he or a replacement for him batted for his club's pitcher(s) throughout the game. This work offers a fascinating exploration of the history and place of the designated hitter in the major leagues.