The Times ran a United Press International story predicting big changes for baseball in the wake of owners firing the commissioner, William D. Eckert. Possibilities included:

— Letting relief pitchers come in and out and back in games.

— Making intentional walks automatic.

— Having specialists who run for slow players or hit for pitchers.

The only thing to see reality was the designated hitter rule, which started a few years later in the American League. They didn’t ask me, but I would have voted for the automatic walks.

A three-member committee was formed to come up with a plan. With baseball’s speed, the group might still be meeting.

— Keith Thursby