Game action batting of Cincinnati Reds Dan Driessen, 1978

In Game 1 of the World Series Dan Driessen becomes the first National League player to be used as a designated hitter in the Reds 5-1 win

In Game 1 of the World Series against the Yankees, Dan Driessen, batting fifth in the Reds lineup, becomes the first National League player to be used as a designated hitter. The DH was not employed before this year’s Fall Classic, although the concept had been adopted and used in the American League since 1973.