El Paso Chihuahua fans react to new “pitch clock” affecting game time on opening day

There are lots of new changes at Southwest University Park from a new plaza and live music, to new rules, which did not sit well with everyone on opening day on April 9.

The difference between last season and season two is the use of a pitch clock. The clock is displayed all over the field, timing the innings between breaks and pitches. Players get 2 minutes, 25 seconds between breaks, and 20 seconds between pitches.

If the batter or pitcher are not ready and delivering within those times, they’ll be penalized. It’s a part of a new Minor League Baseball experiment to speed up games.

Fan reaction was split, with some preferring shorter games, and others wanting a longer experience at the ballpark.

Games played before May won’t have penalties for the players. Minor League Baseball is giving the teams some time to get use to the new rules before they’re enforced.

The pitch clock didn’t seem to affect either team with the Chihuahuas beating Tacoma 11-4.