A bullpen cart will be used at at least one major league ballpark during the 2018 season, as the Arizona Diamondbacks will utilize one at Chase Field.
Prior to spring training, it was reported that bullpen carts could be one initiative put into place as Major League Baseball looks to speed up the pace of play. Once a standard way to transport relievers from the bullpen as they entered the game, bullpen carts have all but disappeared from the majors over the last few decades, but might be making a comeback.
The D-Backs have officially announced that they will utilize a bullpen cart at Chase Field, which will debut for the 2018 season and transport relievers from both bullpens before they enter the game. The D-Backs’ OnTrac bullpen cart will be fabricated by the Tampa-based SportsKartz.
“We have been working on this idea for several years and there’s no more appropriate time to bring back the bullpen cart than this season, as we celebrate our 20th anniversary,” D-backs president & CEO Derrick Hall said in a press statement. “Fans of baseball in the 1950s, 60s, 70s, 80s and even the 90s enjoyed watching their favorite players emerge from the bullpen in various vehicles and we’re excited for this special delivery to come to Chase Field.”
“It gives me great pride to see the OnTrac brand on the bullpen carts for the D-backs,” OnTrac president Rob Humphrey said in a press statement. “Our company is built around delivering exceptional service and exceeding our customer’s expectations. I am confident that the OnTrac bullpen carts will continue this high level of service when delivering D-backs pitchers to the games.”
Whether this is the beginning of a widespread return of bullpen carts remains to be seen, but there are signs that other teams are at least exploring the idea. The Star Tribune reported on Tuesday that the Minnesota Twins are currently reviewing the possible use of one at Target Field.
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