The 9-9-9 challenge is simple. Nine hot dogs and nine beers, in nine innings. Is there a more American way to enjoy our nation’s pastime? Perfect for fantasy punishments or a cocky friend, the 9-9-9 challenge is the most gluttonous way for baseball fans to enjoy getting drunk and stuffed while enjoying a game.
But baseball in 2023 is changing. With a slew of new rules aimed at increasing the action, and speeding up the game, the 9-9-9 challenge might become impossible for the average person.
The pitch clock is 2023’s most dramatic rule change. Like the play clock in football, the pitcher must start his windup before the clock strikes zero. The hitter must also be in the batter’s box and attentive with eight seconds left. If anyone is tardy, balls or strikes will be awarded.
Whoever said baseball is too slow needs to try the 999 challenge with a pitch clock and then tell me how you feel about the game
— Shane Jogger (@the_JEWce_box) March 2, 2023
Games in 2023 are already concluding about a half hour earlier than their 2022 counterparts, cutting the average game time from 3:04 to 2:38. These short game times, while great for the fans who want to get home at a reasonable hour, might eliminate the 9-9-9 challenge altogether.
If you search TikTok for “baseball 999 challenge” you’ll only find videos from the 2022 season. And while yes, 2023 just kicked off, there currently isn’t a single attempt from the 2023 season.
Jonah Fialkow, a Wrigley Field vendor, who recently made a video calculating the price of undertaking the challenge at the Cubs’ home ballpark, (it’s $194 if you’re curious), responded to a comment on his video claiming the challenge is “harder than ever before.” Fialkow agreed. “Most definitely.”
The jury is still out over whether baseball’s new rules will have a positive impact on the game in the long term, but they are catastrophic for the 9-9-9 challenge. In 2023, drinking hotdogs and pounding beers at the ballpark like a real American is dead; but hopefully, so that baseball can live on.
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