One of the dozen reasons that it was approved in the first place, was to give aging players with no fielding capability...a chance to linger for two or three additional seasons. Frank Thomas is a great example...for the last ten years of his career, that gave him a chance to play.
For Jim Thome, probably 400 of his home runs were as a DH.
If they approve this, then the Designated Runner (Charlie Finley’s old gimmick) will also get new consideration.
Thome, less than 200 HRs from DH position
Are there any teams that actually use the DH as it was originally intended, giving aging superstar players more years? Pujols with the Angels? Every time I watch a AL rules series in interleague play it seems like a different player is in the DH spot every game, like teams just use it rotationally to give someone banged up a break from fielding.
Freegards
Before teh DH, the Dick Stuarts and Pete Wards of the world found a way into the lineup, despite their defensive limitations. It was just considered part of the game.
Stuart’s nickname was “Dr. Strangeglove.”