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Online now: 4 members: Barney Rubble, Dick6, Johndoc#7, TABLE SETTER 11; 97 anonymousDiscussion: Courtesy Runner From Home
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| Jan. 16, 2017 Dr Dave Men's 70 4 posts | Courtesy Runner From Home I have been searching to see if there is a rule concerning courtesy runners from home. I am recovering from a bad concussion and although I feel well enough to play, running does cause some issues and concerns. So for a few weeks I must use a courtesy runner from home and we have had some discussions on rules. Today I hit one over the left fielders head and my runner turned it into a triple. After the play was over they other team argued I should be out because I left the batters box after I hit the ball. Yes... my initial reaction was to take a step or two, but I never went beyond where my bat laid, I stopped, picked it up and walked to the dugout. The umpire wasn't sure on the rule so as many do when in doubt... "your out". In my area (Washington) we have a line that if crossed by the batter when using a courtesy runner, you are out. But the batters box? Are there set rules for a courtesy from home? |
| Jan. 16, 2017 SSUSA Staff 3491 posts | In SSUSAA sanctioned events, a courtesy runner from home to first base is not permitted ... If, however, a local league provides for such a circumstance, we would have no objection ... __________ Rulebook §8.4(1) • BATTER-RUNNER REACHING FIRST BASE • Each batter must reach first base without the aid of a courtesy runner... |
| Jan. 16, 2017 Omar Khayyam 1357 posts | Our league allows a courtesy runner from home because we have a few players (300 members over 50 up to 92 in our Club) that are permanently unable to run at all. They play home or first, usually. In addition, we have some players who for awhile can't run for themselves (usually a hamstring or a groin). We have never bothered with where the batter moves after hitting the ball. It is usually good for a laugh when a temporarily crippled player starts instinctively to run down the line to first after hitting the ball. They never reach first. It never interferes with a play. What is the problem? I understand that in tournament play a courtesy runner is not allowed since a player probably shouldn't be on the field at that level of play unless he can get to first, and some courtesy runners are very fast. But in league play? Why so tight to say a batter can't leave the batter's box? What is the possible interference? |
| Jan. 16, 2017 k man Men's 65 326 posts | Same with us as with Omar, what happens with the batter has never been a concern. |
| Jan. 18, 2017 curty Men's 60 187 posts | I agree with the idea of runner from home BUT: he should be limited to one base- (original batter would not do better,) with all else continuing as available. A courtesy runner at league level should not become an advantage, and we all know that coach that uses runners unnecessarily, in certain situations. After all, who uses the slow guy? I personally think LEAGUE runners should be defined i.e. last out, not in game, picked by opposition, etc to stop the flagrant use of runners not needed. Let him play!! |
| Jan. 18, 2017 taits Men's 65 4548 posts | League here in resno area, They alor runner from home iif have a Dr's note or disabled placard. BUT only allowed to 1. get to first, no extra bases. 2. Must be last person out. unless that person happens to be on base them t's the one before. These work well here. No picking runners for this but when person who ran get to first then courtesy runner can come in. Only CR's 2 per inning though. We also use that line but outside the box, right angle to home & base line. Also these with CR's at home bat at end of lineup. Might check the Am civil libertys disabilities law on the other aspects for competative events though. I believe there was a suit some years ago regarding this type is issue and was won, but might not have been about softball. Omar Why sould he be not allowed, if he can still defend a position and maybe even hit? Doesn't he can play well, especially OF, but at least he is in the game,.... sort of. |
| Jan. 18, 2017 taits Men's 65 4548 posts | Fresno....the arm pit of CA. |
| Jan. 18, 2017 OZ40 549 posts | Our over 55 league allows runners from home. We tweaked our rule somewhat this year. Our starting line for runners from home is now behind a line that extends from the middle of the strike mat to the backstop. |
| Jan. 18, 2017 Omar Khayyam 1357 posts | taits, here are a few reasons why SSUSA might not allow such a runner: 1. Some guys don't even want courtesy runners, much less from home. Ignites the controversy anew. 2. Setting rules is difficult because of lack of agreement (one base only? all CR can get? doctors' s note? disabled placard? disabled placard "in the mail"? restriction on CR eligibility? start from where?, etc.) And some reasons leagues do allow it: 1. Most leagues are controlled locally with their own specific rules to fit the league and its players. 2. Most disabled runners are friends with other league players who are willing to give them a break. 3. Most guys play with less intensity in league play than in tournaments. For example, I usually hit the first pitch close to the strike zone, rather than wait for a plum. It is good training for tournaments when you have two strikes on you. Some guys in our league refuse to walk and will even reach way out for a pitch. Try that in tourney play and your manager will soon have you on the bench. |
| Jan. 19, 2017 taits Men's 65 4548 posts | !. true rules, but if in place, live with it. 2. I didn't make the rules the BOD did for the league. BS on in the mail I didn't put that did I. And yes note form a Dr (Temporary) or one who wouldn't be elegible for a placard. Those are the rule. I could care less about other leagues. I only posted for what we have that is done as part of this discussion on the issue. I'v e swung at a ball just to avoid a walk hoping for a better pitch next time too. No big deal. Who migh like to walk...maybe someone that can't hit. Most are there to hit I's say. Have a good year. |
| Jan. 29, 2017 Turbobob Men's 65 71 posts | Dr. Dave, As a point of reference, our league uses courtesy runners from home with these rules: 1. Batter needing a CR must be declared prior to start of game, and CR must be used at every at-bat for the batter. 2. CR can not go past 2nd base on any hit by the batter. 3. CR staring line is 5 feet behind the center point of the strike plate. 4. There is a perpendicular line along the 1st base line, drawn 30 feet from the strike plate. If batter runs past that line along with the CR, the batter is out.(we are very liberal with "senior moments". This works well in our league. |
