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Online now: 1 member: todd forsten; 14 anonymousDiscussion: Pitcher Protection Rule
| Posted | Discussion |
| Oct. 21 turn2 489 posts | Is the batter out if he hits a line drive at the pitcher and it hits him in the arm? The Rule on the schedule says he is not. What is the right call. This happened in our game against the A's and I would like to find out. Thanks, Donnie Turn Two Collectibles |
| Oct. 21 F.O.G. Men's 40 105 posts | Turn2; This is the way the rule reads: "Any batted ball striking the pitcher while in the pitcher's box (except the arms while in the process of making a reasonable defensive play on the ball) shall be a dead ball out." So, this is the question: Was the pitcher attempting to make a play? If so, then the ball is live...if not, then the ball is dead and the batter is out. Hope this helps. Mike Williams 40+ Director |
| Oct. 21 softballer Men's 65 594 posts | A. Batted Ball up the middle (Pitcher’s zone box) 1. Any ball hit sharply up the middle or bounced ball that strikes the pitcher will be a dead ball and out as long as the pitcher is part of the box. (Explain in full) 2. It will be the judgment of the umpire in each case. 3. Any attempt to play the batted ball will be in judgment of the umpire. 4. This rule applies to all divisions and level of teams. |
| Oct. 21 Pinky 99 Women's 40 2 posts | This rule made no impact on players hitting up the middle, this past weekend. The umpires told us that the ball had to hit the pitcher, and the pitcher could make no attmept to make a play. Then, the batter would be called out. What "ball player" is going to stand still and let a ball hit them? It is an automatic reaction to protect yourself, which I'm sure is what every pitcher does when the ball is hit at them. Most pitchers are moving out of the box in a "defensive stance". The rule needs to be rivised to "protect" the pitcher, so that the ball isn't hit up the middle. If the ball goes through the "box" on a line, then the batter should be called out. If the pitcher is outside the box, that shouldn't matter. The lines of the box should go straight up, and an arm length of the pitcher, invisably, and any ball that goes through that area, is a "dead ball, out" . This clarification, does not leave it up to the "umpires judgement" and can create more of a consistancy throughout the fields. This way, the batter will have to think about not hitting the ball up the middle. I know that each pitcher that has been hit by a batted ball, made every attempt to make the play and protect him/herself. But, we need the rule so that players will try not to hit up the middle and cause bodily injury, or brain damage, as I have seen. |
| Oct. 21 taits Men's 65 4548 posts | As a pitcher and having watched many over the years, I have seen very few that 1. are less than 24 inches wide (width of box) at the shoulders, let alone at their waste line, in some instances. 2. most pitching motions, or their movement, are not straight in line or even when stopped at the mound, when the ball is released. But more often than not, released off to one side or the other, in front on the "box", & sometimes both. Some pitchers have an art form, knuckle ball, curve, movements, what ever, but haven't seen one I remember that just stands there, feet together and lofts the ball to be hit. Let alone less than two foot wide. Wording for this I doubt had a pitchers thorough thought. The above doesn't cover it all. |
| Oct. 21 Dirty Men's 50 1371 posts | F.O.G., if he wasn't attempting to make a play on that ball then for his own good he should go to another position. |
| Oct. 21 F.O.G. Men's 40 105 posts | If you would all, please, look at the question asked by turn2: "Is the batter out if he hits a line drive at the pitcher and it hits him in the arm?" The question was answered the best way I could based on the info provided. If there is another written rule regarding the pitchers protection, I'd like to see it. This is my interpretation of the rule: If the ball hits the pitcher as a linedrive and the pitcher simply reacts in defense...no attempted play, then the batter is out. If the ball hits the ground first, it's live. It is the judgement of the umpire. It does happen fast. I appreciate the opinions given here because it will only help to make a steadfast rule that everyone will understand and leave no chance for judgement. Mike Williams 40+ Director |
| Oct. 21 turn2 489 posts | FOG, The pitcher threw his glove up to make a play on a line drive and we thought it hit his glove but the umpire said the ball hit him in the forearm and our batter was called out. Was this the right call or not? Thanks, Donnie Turn Two |
| Oct. 21 F.O.G. Men's 40 105 posts | Turn2: Based on the way you've explained it, no. The umpire made a booboo. What I wrote was straight from the schedule. Again, as I'm sure you understand, it's always the umpires judgement...just like the ASA or USSSA Strikezone....that's why SSUSA uses the plate & mat. Like I said earlier, SSUSA is committed to providing the best situation for everyone involved.This rule is fairly new and seems to have a few flaws. I'm sure it will be worked and re-worked until the best effect is realized. I will be studying this as well. I will certainly appreciate all costructive input. Mike Williams 40+ Director |
| Oct. 21 SlowLearner 19 posts | I see every thing in here being responded by the 40+ director, but seems not clear. How about ground ball that the pitcher trys to field and hits his/her glove? Is the batter out? Also, without a chalk line around the box, how can the umpire even know if in the box or not? The arm seems to be an issue, but if the pitcher reaches outside the box, isn't that a live ball even if it hits his arm? As someone said, what pitcher is dumb enough to just stand there and not try to catch the ball! I'm not sure the umpires we had knew the rule let alone the pitchers. One up call a dead ball and the pitcher was about at 2nd when it went off his glove. That would seem right. Maybe you have to go to a screen, but with the AA and even AAA teams, I'm not sure that is fair. Pitchers normally know when they make a mistake and it's coming back since I don't think most hitters ever try to hit the pitcher. |
| Oct. 22 Paco13 424 posts | If you can not stand the heat...Get out of the kitchen. I do not complain when somebody is trying to break a DP...or somebody hit a shot at me. Pitching is a dangerous position, if you choose to do it, then deal with it. Have a wonderful and bless day. |
| Oct. 22 Dirty Men's 50 1371 posts | Paco could not have said it any better. |
| Oct. 22 Mac21 Men's 65 38 posts | Here's one for you....while playing this weekend in Phoenix the umpire called a batter on the other team out because in the umpires judgement a ground ball through the pitchers legs nicked him on the leg. The other team complained that it didn't hit him and get this, after some discussion the umpire asked our pitcher if it hit him. Unfortunately, instead of saying "you made the call" our pitcher said "I don't think it nicked me". Here's the kicker...the umpire reversed his call, and gave the other team a "do over". We now complained how can you have a "do over" but the umpire wouldn't budge. We should have protested the game at that point but we didn't..our mistake. How can you reverse a judgement call by asking a player involved in the play? That's like asking a first baseman "were you off the bag", or a runner "did the shortstop tag you" etc etc. This is just one problem the rule has caused. In our teams opinion the rule as it stands does not protect the pitcher, and only makes it tougher on the umpires. |
| Oct. 22 mad dog Men's 65 4191 posts | i have never liked this rule,it first started in the kids game WSA.ask softballer as he and i ump their worlds.i seen it called 1 time during the tourney and thought that it was not right,as the pitcher got a glove on it,ball was down around his ankles.now for the seniors,time of day can be a problem,twighlite is the worst.for seniors a line shot maybe can be called,but if it hits the ground,i say all bets off.in the M+ div open up the hrs and it will go away.as a kid i was taught to hit the ball back up the middle(in baseball),i still have that swing unfortunatly.thankfully i'm usaully 3-4' either side of the pitcher,or over the top of him by 4-10'. |
| Oct. 22 softballer Men's 65 594 posts | so true mad dog here's one for all of you in Manteca they have a 6ft box around the pitcher mound and any ball going in to it is a dead ball out! would that help? us old guy like mad dog (sorry bob had to do that) M ps wasn't that fun in wsa! NOT |
| Oct. 22 F.O.G. Men's 40 105 posts | The rule, as written, is flawed in my view. If the rule included the phrase, "batted line drive ball," that might be better. As it reads now, it leaves to much open for suggestion. Now, as for only being able to go up the middle, I was taught the same as you all...square up the ball, send it back where it came from. Thing is, if you can do that, then you should be able to hit the ball anywhere you need to depending on the situation...and my guess is we're all better hitters now than we ever were when we were kids. Trust me guys, we'll get that rule repaired. Mike Williams 40+ Director |
| Oct. 22 Lecak Men's 60 1026 posts | Mike there are a lot of really bad pitchers out there that need some sort of protection. It is easy to say don't pitch play another position, that is not my call, Dirty's call or Paco13's call. We have seat belt laws, helmet laws the list goes on and on for the protection of those who won't protect themselves. Nothing worse than a pitcher throwing a cookie about 8 ft high spinning nicely a little bit below belt high on the outside of the plate with two strikes on you. And the pitcher strides into the batter with no intention of defending himself. Tweak the rule but keep this mental picture in your mind when making any recommendation. |
| Oct. 22 F.O.G. Men's 40 105 posts | As always, Joe, I appreciate your input...thanks. Mike |
| Oct. 22 softballer Men's 65 594 posts | OK let's put up a pitching screen dbo rule |
| Oct. 22 GT Men's 60 162 posts | We've been over this one so many times. Pitch and take your chances. If your not happy with that, don't pitch. Since being in senior softball, I have pitched against every dvision possible. Ya, even when I play 2A, we played major plus teams and still do now in 3A. I don't need a rule to protect me. I do that. I don't need a screen.(Might as well put a dress on me also). Lets put this to rest. If a solution hasn't been found by now, there isn't one. The lighting problems is more of a problem. Balls in the sun? Balls in badly lite fields? Balls of the bat where the background is not helpful to a pitcher. These are important. Just my 2cents. Greg Thomas Christian Brothers Automotive Houston, Tx |
| Oct. 22 Dbax Men's 65 2101 posts | To add more fuel to the fire, in the Women's 40's last weekend, umpires were calling batters out if they hit a line drive up the middle that did not hit the pitcher. If the pitcher had to duck, the batter was out. I kid you not! The umpire said, "It was close enough." |
| Oct. 22 Dirty Men's 50 1371 posts | 'no intention of defending himself"?????? And the rules are supposed to protect him? C'mon. And by the way, seat belt and helmet laws are dumb too. Americans have the right to be stupid. That so many choose to is unfortunate, but not any of our business. Most all of them have families and/or friends, let them protect these fools. |
| Oct. 22 db14 104 posts | C'on Dirty you don't even play tournament ball. By your own admission "Americans have the right to be stupid".....talk about the kettle!!!!!!!! You have every right in our country to comment but PLEASE do not comment on that of which you know nothing! |
| Oct. 22 Omar Khayyam 1357 posts | What a challenge to protect the pitcher. I have been pitching for 56 consecutive seasons, so I'm not a spring chicken. I can handle a hard hit up the middle, but am concerned when a) batter is using a Miken Ultra II or other hot bat; or b) playing a team 10 years younger or two levels higher. In a well-run tournament, the mismatched team shouldn't happen, and I would be happy to return to a less potent bat and the days of strategy like hitting behind the runner, going first to third on a single, etc. instead of the homerun slugfests that are so common and so boring. What really scares me as a pitcher is when I can't see. Not just under the lights, but under poor lights (don't think over 55s should play under lights). When backdrop is same color as ball (why is this allowed? so easy to fix). When looking directly into the sun in a twilight or early morning game (another dangerous condition that should not be allowed; it is easily scheduled around for morning, and afternoon games in this condition should be delayed or rescheduled). Just my two cents, and many 3rd basemen have similar concerns, even though they're 15 feet or more further back. |
| Oct. 23 Dirty Men's 50 1371 posts | Yet another who thinks the VERY TINY world of senior tournament ball is the only softball being played, or even more foolishly the only that matters. Neither is the case. By the way, a VERY poor job of addressing my post. Keep ducking and dodging, boys. |
| Oct. 23 Joncon 328 posts | "And by the way, seat belt and helmet laws are dumb too" Seat belts. You need to be IN CONTROL of your vehicle at ALL times, including AFTER a collision. If you get hit from the front/back side you can't really control your car from the drivers seat. Helmets. When you end up with head trauma, who really pays for the enormous hospital bills? Everytone chips in. |
| Oct. 23 mad dog Men's 65 4191 posts | your right joncon,my ins keeps going up b/c of irresponible people,and i have done nothing but drive responible most of my life,certainly the last 20 yrs.i just was told by my ins company that mine would go up $200 for the yr,and like i said i haven't done anything on the road. so belt up and put the helmit on,if not for us people who are picking up part of the deductable for u,but how about your loved ones. |
| Oct. 23 Dirty Men's 50 1371 posts | mad dog, Switch to State Farm. My premiums have dropped twice in the past two years. (You are welcome, in advance, for the advice. :)) |
| Oct. 23 BONES Men's 60 93 posts | well i my as well put my 2 cents in----I agree with GT completely---Ill protect myself---dont need or want and dumb screen that nobody gets behind in the first place. UP THE MIDDLE IS PART OF THE GAME AND YOU BETTER PAY ATTENTION---like greg said the Lighting is what needs to be looked at---Enough of screens and pitchers box------- also i'd hate to wear a dress wind might blow my skirt over my head-----not good---i pitch and ive been hit---Part of the game----with all due respect-------stay health and play well, just my opinion SB #32 So. Cal. Gusto60s |
| Oct. 24 Paco13 424 posts | What amazes me is that no other federation allows the use of the Ultra II and some other amazing bats, however the senior league does. That is what have to change, hitting does not change that much with age, debatable...however, reaction time does. My point if we want to protect the pitcher and each other lets get rid off of these powerful bats and just enjoy hitting with regular bats that are allowed by all the sanctions hey lets use Utrip bats, heck with ASA. I still play competitive ball with the youngens, and if some of these bats were allowed I can guarantee that there will some fatalities in softball, senior ball is even more dangerous, specially at the upper level of M and M+ you guys do not need the extra help of those bats, if you miss it and hit at a pitcher, believe he will be hurt for a while or dead. Senior ball should be for the most part to have fun and spend time with friends, still competitive but not for ego building...a 310' HR is the same as HR 400'. Hope you guys get my point, new to the senior circuit. Have a wonderful and bless day. |
| Oct. 24 Dale Men's 50 76 posts | Paco, We are in the vast minority (even Dirty agrees with us on this one). I've been down this road before. Bruce says switching to the ASA or U-trip bats would breed 'cheaters'. He plays ball with the major/major+ teams, so why do they need to cheat? So much $$$ has been invested in 'Senior' equipment that it's probably not gonna change, but, why not, if it's safety that 'Seniors' are concerned with. It's just not logical that 'Senior' bats get hotter as our reaction time lessens. Paco, we'll get hammered on this, but, I'm with you |
| Oct. 24 Dirty Men's 50 1371 posts | Yes I do agree, and I don't see how any rational person wouldn't. It is the guys in their 50s and 60s who need to be able to do what they probably couldn't in their 20s and 30s that will kill the Senior game. If all they want to do is hit home runs, just take BP. |
| Oct. 24 mad dog Men's 65 4191 posts | dale,paco,yes we've been down this road before.now for usssa bats they come under the 1.20 bpf code,hey guess what thats the same code for our senior bats.and yes i could hit balls out with the bats we had back in the 70 and 80's,hell i played with wooden in the late 60's when i first started playing and could hit them out.at 58 i still play with the kids in all of the assoc's and pitch quite a bit of the time( i'm not in favor of a screen or hitting the pitcher rule),and have no prol doing it,also they want me b/c i can still hit and take it out on occasion. like bruce says if we go to ASA bats the nature of the beast will be for some to shave them and such so they can get an edge.i know bruce and he can hit them out with just about anything but maybe a wiffle ball bat,he's that good. so lets get off the bat griping,we need better fields with better lighting to help us. |
| Oct. 24 Paco13 424 posts | Mad Dog, I care less what bat do you use or what the senior people use, to me it is irrelevant, if you hit and I can get in front of it to catch it, I will. I have not met a player yet that can hit it that hard. I played double AA back in Puerto Rico many moons ago, so a ground ball does not scare me. The point here is the level of playing...SENIOR BALL... there is no future...the next level is six feet under...lets be real. As for senior people shaving bats or rolling bats for that matter, I would have to believe that is a ridiculous assumption or unless you do it yourself or somebody on your team does it. GUYS THIS IS SENIOR BALL, OLD MEN PLAYING, GET IT GRIP. JUST HAVE FUN AND BE THANKFULL THAT YOU CAN STILL DO IT. MAY GOD BLESS YOU. |
| Oct. 24 Dale Men's 50 76 posts | One last comment/suggestion and then I'm outta here..... Lots of discussion on this board has centered around bats, balls, major/major+ team particiapation and team ratings. Seems to me this could all be cleared up with one very simple solution. Let the major/major+ teams hit the 'Senior' bats (as it is near unanimous in this classification to use this equipment). Teams that want to classify as AA/AAA cannot use this equipment. That could serve to increase participation in the M/M+ division and reduce the number of teams that 'sandbag'. (Your word, not mine) to compete/win in the lower division. The biggest complaint from lower level teams are that M/M+ players are playing with AA/AAA teams. My last $.02. |
| Oct. 24 mad dog Men's 65 4191 posts | paco u need to get your head out of the sand.its being done by everyone,youngens,and seniors alike.seattle 06 they confiscated a bat(the one that i know of)in the 50M+div,ssws in iowa a few yrs back(no u-2 or senior bats allowed) yrs back there was problems with the u-trip bats that they were allowed to use and with painted ones.also they confiscated supposedly 11 bats last yr at the hunstman games. where do u think it got started,this is not something new to softball.mfg's were loading bats for thier top players way back in the day. u say your not afraid of ground balls and such b/c you played AA baseball,wuptido.i'm glad your so good u don't make error's |
| Oct. 24 Dirty Men's 50 1371 posts | Where did he say he doesn't make errors? I must have missed something. His point, obvious to at least some of us, is that at this age guys should have some pride, realize this is the end of the road (however long that road winds up being), and not think of cheating in such a manner. Yet some want to reward the cheaters by letting them use juiced up bats just because someone might cheat. |
| Oct. 24 BONES Men's 60 93 posts | WHERES WOODY WHEN U NEED HIM------with all due respect to PACO and DALES posts---paco your first post sez if YOU CAN'T STAND THE HEAT STAY OUT OF THE KITCHEN----then next thing i read is you want to take senior bats away and dale wants to take senior bats away frommAAA/AA and let M/M+ use them. Thats complelely unacceptable IMO--------Now if you both are talking about SENIOR LEAGUE play---- make all the rules you want-----League play is for everyone that wants to play good, bad, guys that love the game but just dont have the fire or ability to play old school softball-----By old school softball i mean COMPETITIVE TOURNAMENT SENIOR SOFTBALL. IMO----this is where i want to play---and i beleive most of the guys that post here play the competitive tournament circuit and i hope would agree the senior bats are what they/i want to use---Ultra2---Combat---Worth--etc-----i personially want to play with/against the best equitment that is allowed and i believe what we use now----trump balls and senior bats in these SSUSA, SSWS, LVSSA are safe and great to use. Keep competitive senior tournament softball just that---BEST EQUITMENT AND WHERE US OLD DOGS WANT TO PLAY AGAINST THE BEST COMPETITION in the country. Stay health and play hard. Like i said no disrespect intended----just my feelings SB#32 So. Cal Gusto60s |
| Oct. 24 Dirty Men's 50 1371 posts | BONES, why should Seniors be allowed to play with bats that no one else is? Why do you want to label yourself as needy? |
| Oct. 24 Gary Heifner 248 posts | I rarely hit the middle. In Phoenix, I hit a "2" hop grounder that was not a cannon shot. The pitcher turned his back to the ball and it hit him in the butt and bounced off his glove as he waved blindly at it. I was called out. I really don't think that many umps have a handle on this rule. I don't think the ball I hit was what the rule is designed for. |
| Oct. 25 BONES Men's 60 93 posts | DIRTY---why should seniors be allowed to use bats nobody else uses???-----Well because we've already played with all that other junk equitment--You will understand when you grow up-----no disrepect ment labeling myself needy-----yes i'am----can you help me out??????---TC SB |
| Oct. 25 Omar Khayyam 1357 posts | I think Dale and Paco have it right. As we get older our reflexes slow down--can't get the glove in position as fast as in the past. Our eyesight weakens--can't pick up the ball as quickly as we used to. We don't heal as fast--a sprain, bone bruise, break take a lot longer to heal. And what hasn't changed? Bats are not slowed down, but faster than ever. Balls are not soft, but lively. Lights are not well maintained but allowed to be misadjusted. Result of all this for senior players? Very dangerous conditions for pitchers and corner players with pull hitters, and with bad light, for all fielders. So what do some guys want in an evident attempt to deal with their fading youth? Bats with even more power! Balls with more pop! All in the name of "competitive" softball. What's next? A demand to return to metal cleats to savage the second baseman? Face it guys. We are so fortunate to be able to play ball, even more so to play tournament ball, and for the very fortunate 10%, to play high level tournament ball. Enjoy our elite physical position compared to most guys our age, and forget about thinking you should still be able to hit it out of the park. |
| Oct. 26 Lefty Men's 75 721 posts | I pitch a little and I taght I was pretty fast on defense. The pitcher was bowling so like a fool I said I'd pitch well wrong. I knew a the ball players on the other team and knew where they normally hit. Well here comes the old boy that hits down the middle and I know this. He hits a knuckle ball at my knee. Before I knew it I was down and I go up walk towards the dug out and coach said ha where are you going and I said pitching ain't for me. So I'm limping to the dug out an the coach wants me to play 3rd. I said it's just as bad as pitching. So I played 2nd. You see if I want to pitch anymore I'm putting some protective gear on and not just stand up there like a sitting duck. I played outfield a week before a poor field like a cow pasture I got hit right between the eyes. Tell me that don't hurt. So I don't catch a ball head on anymore on bad fields. I believe field conditions hurt more players and bad throws by players than anything. This is just my 2 cents. We might use Ultra 2's but if you know anything about softballs the TD buys the cheapest balls that he can. So the balls aren't that great. |
| Oct. 26 Dirty Men's 50 1371 posts | Depending on how old you are, after playing years ago with wood, 38 oz. Bombats and XBHs, and Harwoods you find the non-senior bats of today "junk"??????? You truly are needy! :) |
| Oct. 26 mad dog Men's 65 4191 posts | ignore option,another dumb and dumber post |
| Oct. 26 BruceinGa Men's 70 3233 posts | Paco, in response to you post "What amazes me is that no other federation allows the use of the Ultra II and some other amazing bats, ......... lets get rid off of these powerful bats and just enjoy hitting with regular bats that are allowed by all the sanctions hey lets use Utrip bats, heck with ASA. " SSUSA and SPA are very aware of what we as players want. I don't believe USSSA is and certainly ASA isn't. The young guys that play utrip around Atlanta don't worry much about trying to get their association to allow hotter bats because many (no one knows how many) are using shaved bats. This spring our senior league has allowed senior bats for our upper division. 95% of our players approved of this and agree that the games are much more exciting with the higher scoring games. I have told them that utrip bats would be ok with me because I don't believe we would have more than 2 or 3 guys that would be tempted to use an altered bat. I agree that field conditions, lighting and backdrops could be improved. One of my main gripes would be tournament directors that schedule games on fields where the sun is in the pitcher's eyes. If we are concerned about players safety then we need to avoid this. |
| Oct. 26 dantheman 29 posts | Okay fellows, two plays I saw in Phoenix this weekend at the AA,s first one ball hit up the middle that the pitcher tryed to field but did not touch with his glove, hit him on the side of his leg,umpire called dead ball, batter out. second play, ball hit over pitcher's head, got his glove extended as high has he could, touched the ball, and it went into the outfield, umpire ruled dead ball, batter out ? |
| Oct. 26 Dirty Men's 50 1371 posts | Dan, two sad calls based on a terrible rule. |
| Oct. 27 Paco13 424 posts | Guys, I will be in FT. Myers. As I said earlier this is my first year playing senior ball. I had an excellent time and the ball games are very competitive and fun. All what I said is that if safety is such a big issue, or at least it is for me, then perhaps somebody should look at these bats. If some of the players are going to cheat, let them cheat...cheater are cheater do not matter what. I will guarantee when we have a serous injury on the field, the rule will change. I played with Goodman softball on an ASA tournament in Richmond during the summer, we had these two guys Hosea, and Shu that were hitting 375' bombs, believe me their bats were not shaved because they use my brand new Stealth to try it out and they were hitting it out almost effortless...my point U do not need U2 to hit bombs. Have a wonderful and BLESS day. |
| Oct. 27 Nancy Allen Men's 55 1438 posts | Bruce, neither USSSA nor NSA are in the summit now, although both allow better bats than ASA. I actually like the way that ISA does it which allows the better bats for seniors and not the younger age groups. I have suggested this several times to NSA as a necessary evil to stay competitive in this division, but it will never happen. |
| Oct. 27 Dirty Men's 50 1371 posts | Why do guys with diminshed reflexes and vision need better bats hitting balls at them? Is safety a concern or not? |
| Oct. 27 softball4b Men's 70 1250 posts | Very difficult rule to enforce. No one is happy about the subjective nature of the rule interpretation, but it is a good rule to have for the protection of the pitcher. Based on the rule, I was called out. I do not have a solution and I assume there will be changes or adjustments made over the course of the season. Probably what would be more effective would be to extend the pitcher protection area to more than just the pitcher's box, maybe straight back another 10 feet. I hate going up the middle and prefer hitting the ball where there isn't a fielder. 1 strike already, pitcher consistently pitched front outside edge of the plate. Tired and bat was slow, hit it right between his legs and it glanced off his shin. He had no chance to defend himself and was a frightening experience for him. I apologized, but it did not change the fact that he could have been seriously hurt. Next at bats adjusted my stance and tried to hit pitches that I could keep out of the middle, mostly successful. 31 at bats and only 2 balls inside the area between the 2nd and SS. Like I said I do not know the answer, because the pitcher is somewhat complaisant because of the way they are pitching, but it is a good rule and should be enforced. |
| Oct. 27 Dirty Men's 50 1371 posts | I really think the answer is the bats. Using bats not allowed for everyone, I believe, under 50 just doesn't make sense. Nor is it necessary. Not if safety is a concern. Sooooo many rules have been changed or added to mess up the sport just to accommodate bats that guys with pride should not need. I thought middle-age men were supposed to be mature. |
