A new rule instituted by both leagues in 1967 provided the pitcher with a designated pinch hitter (later referred to just as a "designated hitter," or DH). The DH would bat for the pitcher during a game without requiring the pitcher to be replaced by a substitute on the mound. This helped to ease the burden on pitchers, who had enough to worry about without having to come to the plate and serve as a near-automatic out every time. The second era of franchise stability ended when the Dallas Rangers moved to Atlanta for the 1978 season. The outcry by baseball fans in Dallas over the loss of their beloved team forced MLB to accelerate the next round of expansion, which had been planned for 1981. The cities of Miami and Indianapolis had already been promised franchises in the American Association, so the new Dallas team was placed in the National League.
The Florida Everglades (AA East), Indianapolis Hoosiers (AA West), Montreal Royals (NL East), and Dallas Scorpions (NL West) -- the Atlanta franchise still held the copyright to the Rangers name -- began play in 1979. That year, the Denver Blizzards changed their name to the Colorado Blizzards, hoping for a broader appeal to their whole state like the new Florida team. Unfortunately, the rush to expand left Montreal unprepared for the Royals, who had to play in an inadequate minor league park because a new, larger stadium had yet to be approved by the city. The Royals performed dreadfully, finishing dead last in the league standings and in attendance, leading to their relocation to Washington, DC, the next season.
The major leagues in 1980: