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Online now: 3 members: Emmitt, TABLE SETTER 11, kotonk; 117 anonymousDiscussion: Plate As A Strike
| Posted | Discussion |
| Oct. 20, 2006 Tater50 Men's 60 336 posts | Plate As A Strike When I came to SS in 99' it blew me away that the plate was a strike. I can sort of understand the mat as being a strike; then again, this takes away from the pitcher that can throw curves. I do not like the plate for a strike. If anyone knows the origin of this rule please post it. Not trying to start a war here, give your "pleasant" opinion whether pro or con. Tater50 John W. Hayes |
| Oct. 20, 2006 Hit the gap Men's 70 154 posts | The first time I played with a mat was early 90's prior to Senior ball. It was used in league play at the time. The plate has always been a strike when the mat is used. As a hitter, I really like the mat and plate as a strike. I am much pickier about what I swing at. It also takes all the guess work out for the umps. The only thing they need to worry about is height. As I pitcher I hate the mat and plate simply because a lot of guys will swing at marginal pitchs when you leave it to the umpire to determine. |
| Oct. 20, 2006 GT Men's 60 162 posts | I have no idea who started the plate as a strike. Never played that before til SS. I would love to have just the mat a strike. Lets start that movement. GT Houston, Tx |
| Oct. 20, 2006 einstein Men's 50 3112 posts | Hey Tater, Great subject. I like the plate and mat being a strike and would favor it being even wider like some mats from both offensive and defensive perspectives. As a pitcher, it gives you more of a zone for throwing strikes and as a hitter it makes you more aggressive which I prefer. A pitch doesn't need to be a perfect strike for me to drive if I'm ready to swing. If I can reach it, I can drive it and that's what I'm committed to at the plate, i.e., driving the ball. And the most important reason for the plate and and mat being strikes is it lessens the tension between the teams and the umpire making playing more fun. And it allows an umpire who is mobile time and energy to get out into the infield or down the line, to make important calls. |
| Oct. 20, 2006 Robo2 238 posts | I too like the plate and mat rule for the same reason of eliminationg arguements. However, I would like to see the batter's box extended forward. I forgot what tournament I was at this year when I saw an umpire call a batter out in the bottom of the 7th for being out of the box in front. I don't even remember if it was 50's or 55's. The team lost the game by one run. Einstein, how is your leg? |
| Oct. 20, 2006 Larry S 54 posts | The plate and mat is best way to go. Very little arguments with umpires. In 3 years of Senior Softball have heard no whining about plate and mat being used. |
| Oct. 21, 2006 Lefty Men's 75 721 posts | Tater50. I rather it be just the mat not the plate for strikes and balls. The Senior league I play in in Nashville uses the plate and mat. For we have umpires that don't know how to call ASA strikes and balls. So we made it easy on the umpire and they hate it cause we took them out of the game at the plate. Never would have happen if would have called ball and strikes correctly. Stopped the fighting between umps. and players. |
| Oct. 21, 2006 butchb1946 Men's 60 2 posts | I like the plate, and mat being a strike. It certainly speeds up the game. I still play some young ball and most of the arguments are over balls and strikes. Not much to argue over with this format. |
| Oct. 21, 2006 doubleplay10 14 posts | I like the plate and mat - in fact, I'd suggest we further enlarge it to accomodate a better target for the pitcher.... allowing more distance and PROTECTION. Umpires can focus on other happenings, not so much on the boring strike zone calls. Also, makes for a faster/more aggressive hitting game, fewer arguments...play ball! |
| Oct. 21, 2006 GORILLA4S Men's 60 20 posts | I started playing SS in 2005, and while experiencing the mat from time to time in the 90's, I love the fact that the plate is also a strike. As far as throwing curves John, you still have the inside part of the plate with a RH hitter where it would'nt be a stike without the mat. Anyone who has pitched U-Trip loves some of the advantage given back to the pitcher from the hitter (who is holding a frikkin U2) :-) We still throw the ball underhand at about 4 MPH. Above all, there is not a better sight than watching the look of a hitter who had strike three called when the pitch hits the front of the plate and bounces back or the inside corner of the mat and eludes the catchers mitt.LOL |
| Oct. 21, 2006 grumpy55 Men's 60 102 posts | I like the plate and mat for for strikes also. Some guys never swing the bat until they get full counts on them. If the pitcher is having trouble trying to find the strike zone with the plate not being a strike, you would have more walks, less innings played and your defense would fall asleep. Just my opinion and learning alot on this web sight. |
