Wed Jan 08 00:00:00 UTC 2025: ## Pitch Clock Speeds Up Baseball, Leaves Fans and Wives Scrambling
**DETROIT, MI** – Major League Baseball’s new pitch clock, implemented in 2023, has dramatically altered the pace of the game, impacting not only players like Justin Verlander but also fans and their families. While pitchers adapted to the faster tempo, fans have had to adjust to a significantly quicker game, potentially missing significant action during even short breaks.
Verlander’s wife, supermodel Kate Upton, recently shared an anecdote on SiriusXM, highlighting this change. She recounted missing several innings during a bathroom break, a scenario unthinkable before the pitch clock’s introduction. The faster pace means fans have less time for concessions or restroom visits without missing substantial parts of the game. While the two-minute inter-inning break remains, the overall game flow is much more condensed.
The impact on pitchers’ wives is also noteworthy. Upton emphasized the heightened anxiety surrounding a starting pitcher’s performance, given their infrequent appearances (approximately 30 starts per season). This contrasts sharply with the daily involvement of position players. The pressure is amplified, she explained, as every pitch carries significant weight due to the limited number of appearances. The new pace of the game only adds to this heightened sense of anticipation and tension for wives watching their husbands compete.
First Piper 