Why does a pitcher have to go 5 innings before being eligible for a win?

Answer 1

Rule 10.19 discusses the five-inning provision, although it doesn't really answer the "why" part of it:

http://mlb.mlb.com/NASApp/mlb/mlb/official_info/official_rules/official_scorer_10.jsp

My guess is the same as those above me - going five innings would mean that the pitcher has thrown more than half the game, and therefore "deserves" credit for the victory.

I also think it's interesting that you can credit for a victory if you pitch the first four innings of a five-inning game. I guess that just happens so rarely that I wasn't even aware of it as a rule.

Answer 2

Because they needed some measuring stick to determine who the winning pitcher could be...otherwise it would be very easy to inflate a pitchers wins, say if he was the pitcher who started the game and left with a lead. Someone could pitch one inning, leave while ahead and have other pitcher(s) finish the last eight innings, while giving the guy who threw one inning the win. It'd be easy to win 40-50 games in that format!

Answer 3

Probably because then a team with more pitchers on the roster doesn't have an advantage...you switch out fresh pitchers every inning or every two innings, that's extremely unfair. i would also think that batters wouldn't be able to perfect technique if they are always worried about hitting off a new style. Just my guess though.

Answer 4

To ensure that the right guy gets the credit. In many cases, the fellow who pitched during the middle part of the innings deserves credit.

Answer 5

If a game goes less than that it's not a regulation game and everyone gets a free ticket to another game,

Answer 6

because he just does i guess. ive played baseball since preschool and im 13 now and i never really thought about that.

Answer 7

five is over half the game four would not be