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Online now: 1 member: Chuckster09; 75 anonymousDiscussion: Would it be acceptable to just make a pitching Mask and shin guards mandatory?
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Dec. 6, 2009 bogie Men's 65 448 posts | Would it be acceptable to just make a pitching Mask and shin guards mandatory? My apologies if this has been discussed in full, I don't get on the board as much as I should. I want to add up front, that I am a huge fan of SSUSA and all they do for us as players and generally do not see much fixing needed. However, I would like to see pitchers protected more. As others have stated, a screen is an option and the rules SSUSA have implemented are good in the ideals behind them, but make it hard for umpires, etc..to always intrepret. If you use a screen, it seems to cut out the pitchers defense.. I pitch some (not at SSUSA level) and I think the stigma of not being a "man" if you use a mask and shin guards, affects some pitchers and others are oblivious to this until they get nailed. I think if the Senior organizations made shin guards and a full mask mandatory, it might be a viable option and still allow balls up the middle and pitchers defense...And it would protect the pitcher and help make safety equipment more acceptable for the infielders too. Its becoming common in the young guys game and would be nice if accepted as the norm in the senior game. I never have liked the idea of eliminating the senior bats. Shaved and painted will come into play IMO. As far as the .52 cor ball. I think it could be used for the 40s thru 50s major/major plus age groups only, but the current combo in the AAA and lower and 55 and older seems to be balanced from what I see. If the wind blows out hard, you will see a 30 foot increase in any ball/bat combo. I have hit the 52 cor ball and played in the TOC all star game where I saw 6-7 homeruns by guys who were good, but not the premiere sluggers in todays game by any means. You need to spin it to get distance, thats all. Again, this ball in my opinion, is suited to opening up the young mens game with less rules, and would only be applicable to the Seniors in the 40s and 50 major plus... teams that still have that over the top hitting power. However, the SSUSA 5-7 runs per inning is a nice equalizer and most don't care how you get your runs too. Just curious as to how players would feel on madatory pitching equipment. Ken Van Bogaert Roberts 55 major |
Dec. 6, 2009 Dirty Men's 50 1371 posts | To me, not acceptable at all. It is no one's business what another person wears. To mandate it is waaaay over the top. And a screen is not an option either. Why does everyone want to take away what good pitchers enjoy doing, fielding the ball. All because some old guys need to use special bats to feel good about themselves. Just doesn't make any sense. :( |
Dec. 6, 2009 butch17 Men's 55 412 posts | I don't think it should be mandatory equipment but I think they should recommend it. NO screen. |
Dec. 6, 2009 Dirty Men's 50 1371 posts | butch, good post. |
Dec. 6, 2009 butch17 Men's 55 412 posts | Thanks Dirty |
Dec. 6, 2009 taits Men's 65 4548 posts | Same post as the other with different views... But given we are stuck with it because of a few (5) decision makers and players I believe, making them. One was injured as a pitcher, others I doubt set foot on the game mound, but regardless, only 5 control, make and or made this what it is we have to deal with. Possible reasons: We want good bats... yes We want good balls... yes I see them as having needs; money, & control. Not really for the love of the game as we knew it. To much as evolved in bats and balls. That being better bats, use of lessor balls and many rule changes. Something has to give... Guess what? 1. Either the rules, which they did, that do not do what they say, 2. The bats, which players don't seem to be willing to give up, or 3. The damn balls which we know are getting softer. Now you have a dilemma; you either stick to the re-worded PPR crap, change the bats or play with a sock as it has been referred to... lol. Some assns choose the sock, but don't use the best bats anyway... go figure. My feeling is they are afraid to play with the good stuff, for various reasons. Another story. Kinda like having your cake and eating it too, but you don't get any of it. What good is it anyway to want it but not even get a bite...lol Me, I like it with ice cream. Consulting a card reader, quite the joke, them times are a changing folk, fact. Things may have been even worse. if you think about it. Enough |
Dec. 6, 2009 Airbosn Men's 70 329 posts | Encourage the use of protective equipment...Softball is not OSHA regulated...Yet. lol. |
Dec. 6, 2009 taits Men's 65 4548 posts | No but ISASSUSA could be: It Seems Appropriate Softball Should Use Substandard Accessories. Ho Ho Ho |
Dec. 6, 2009 Dirty Men's 50 1371 posts | taits, not substandard. Just not to exceed what EVERYONE else has to use. Nothing special, it is demeaning. |
Dec. 6, 2009 taits Men's 65 4548 posts | Take each letter of the assns as the with each word. But I see where your at, believe me. Everyone wouldn't fit in, no E. lol Seasons Greetings, Gary. |
Dec. 7, 2009 Dirty Men's 50 1371 posts | Scott, same to you! |