when did the american league adopt the designated hitter
Use in Major League Baseball . The concept of the Designated Hitter was proposed in the early 1900s and came fairly close to being initiated in the 1920s. It was finally approved in the 1970s. The Designated Hitter is used only in the American League (since 1973) and was never adopted in the National League. The rule allowing a DH has always been controversial since some want the rule eliminated, some want the rule adopted in both leagues and some want the rule to remain in its current state.