World Series became a showcase for NL's first DH

Major League Baseball is implementing the universal designated hitter in the American and National Leagues this season. It marks the second time -- 2020 was the first -- both leagues will use the DH.

Former Major Leaguer Dan Driessen loves the universal DH because it gives older players like Albert Pujols and Nelson Cruz a chance to continue their careers as everyday players.

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“… I like the DH, but at some point, I like to see some of the pitchers hit,” Driessen said in a Zoom call on Monday. “You have guys like Zack Greinke and those type of guys, they can swing the bat. Back in the day when I played, Rick Rhoden and that group [could] hit. I will kind of miss that a little bit, but if it means prolonging careers for some of the real sluggers, I would settle for going for the sluggers, who will have an extension on their careers.”

It’s fitting that Driessen, 70, talked about the role of the DH. He made history almost 46 years ago in the World Series against the Yankees. When Driessen stepped into the batter’s box for the Reds in Game 1 against right-hander Doyle Alexander at Riverfront Stadium, he became the first designated hitter in the National League.

“[Being the DH] gave me a chance to get in the World Series because, back then we had a pretty stacked lineup,” Driessen said. “It felt really, really good. … Everybody was excited and knew we had a good team. I was the extra bat.”

Driessen didn’t know he was going to be the everyday DH in that Series until journalist Earl Lawson gave him the news. Driessen went hitless in four at-bats in a 5-1 victory in Game 1. He remained at DH during the next three games and ended up having a Series to remember as the Reds won their second consecutive World Series in four games.

After Game 1, Driessen went 5-for-10 and hit a solo home run in Game 3 off Dock Ellis. It was sweet revenge for Driessen. Two years earlier, Ellis, then a member of the Pirates, couldn’t find the strike zone in the first inning, hitting three consecutive batters to start the game on May 1. Driessen, Pete Rose and Joe Morgan were hit that inning.

“Dock Ellis hit all of us without any reason. To get him back was a good thing,” Driessen said. “I felt really good that I was able to help. Cincinnati was able to pull off the sweep.”

Having showcased his talents in the Fall Classic, Driessen became the Reds’ everyday first baseman after they traded Tony Perez to the Expos that offseason. Driessen’s time with the Reds ended during the middle of the 1984 season. In 12 years with Cincinnati, Driessen hit .271 with 133 home runs and 670 RBIs. He also spent time with the Expos, Giants, Astros and Cardinals.

Today, Driessen is retired and teaching his grandson how to play baseball.

“I’m trying to get him to be a ballplayer,” Driessen said. “I try to teach him not to hit everything over the fence. I want him to be a contact hitter. He is determined to swing as hard as he can every time. I’m trying to get him to cut down and put the ball in play more.”