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Online now: 5 members: CHI-TOWN BALLERS, Golfman, Hitting10th, TABLE SETTER 11, Torgie; 73 anonymousDiscussion: I have a simple question for those who have pitched.
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| Feb. 26, 2009 Joncon 328 posts | I have a simple question for those who have pitched. I have a simple question for those who have pitched. Is the middle more dangerous now than it was in the olden days? --------------------------------------- I didn't play in the olden days, I started in the late 90's when the Demarini's and other hot bats were just being introduced. I pitched a lot until I got hit a couple of times and I saw with my own eyes, three guys take it off the face/head. All kinds of blood, surgery and unconciousness was involved. I took the advice of "find another position" and I only pitch in low level rec ball or in a pinch. Unless you are standing right there, you don't have a real perception of how fast the ball is traveling sometimes. Many MANY times I have seen a ball that was absolutely impossible to defend against and thought "Crap. That pitcher is lucky it didn't hit him" Mt feelings on this subject is to let the pitchers and ONLY the pitcher decide on the rules. Nobody else should have input. Whatever the rules are, the hitters shouldn't complain. It's a hitters game and it always will be. The poor pitcher lobs it up there @ 5 MPH for them to drill it back @ 100MPH. Pitchers...... Get together and come up with a plan. I will agree to it. Anyone who complains about the rule will be "allowed" to pitch for a while :) |
| Feb. 26, 2009 Dirty Men's 50 1371 posts | No, not at all. At least not in my experience. |
| Feb. 26, 2009 leftie Men's 70 41 posts | Joncon: Yes, I believe it is more dangerous to pitch today than it was in the "old" days. Too much technology in bats. I just recently retired from the Desperados, another one of those New Mexico teams you so "eloquently" spoke about in a previous post. But, that's another story. Any pitcher that doesn't wear a face mask, a heart guard and a pair of shin guards is just asking for it. For SSUSA to legislate this silly pitcher's box is crazy. I've always said the if you can throw a strike from second base... why not? I don't care what all of these so called studs say, the pitcher is the most vulnerable player out there and an important position. They should come out and get a little of this. There have been steps taken to protect the catcher... Why not the pitcher? At least allow him to pitch from where ever he wants. Anyway, that's my 2 cents.. But, then again I don't have to worry about getting nailed anymore, like I did the the Winter Worlds last year. |
| Feb. 26, 2009 ROOSTER10 Men's 60 91 posts | It use to be that a new player looking to play if you asked him what position he plays would say a pitcher or 1b. Now no one wants to pitch?the higher level you play it seems that the flat pitch is used to offset the player.When you pitch higher than 12'the player or umpire complains so lets put up a tee and yet the batter swing.No rule is going to protect the pitcher and if the medieval days are back I guess I will have to buy armour to protect myself.What has happened to the game? |
| Feb. 26, 2009 Dirty Men's 50 1371 posts | Isn't higher than 12' illegal? Not saying not to try it, but the "complaining" is legit after all. |
| Feb. 26, 2009 Robo2 238 posts | Yes, for two reasons: one is we are getting older and our reaction time is less; and, secondly with the HRs an out then power hitters need to force a ball down and the biggest opening is between second and short. Therefore more balls are being aimed in that general direction than otherwise wuld be simple lifted. That being said, a pitcher should wear protective gearif they have that concern. The rule called pitcher protection does nothing to prevent hitting the middle or protect the pitcher. My opinion. |
| Feb. 26, 2009 salio2k Men's 60 547 posts | Rules will not protect..........buy a mask......I did. |
| Feb. 26, 2009 ROOSTER10 Men's 60 91 posts | Dirty Your right 12'+ is illegal and they do complain but the pitcher needs to get a edge because with todays bats and balls, god help us. |
| Feb. 26, 2009 Dirty Men's 50 1371 posts | Then change the bats and/or balls, NOT the fundamental rules of the game. |
| Feb. 26, 2009 #6 Men's 60 1173 posts | Back in the good ole days we hit T-4000, anyone remember those ? I played in a game hitting T-4000 against Bruce Meade. Was playing 3B ,Looked like I was a left fielder.I was hitting it out, nothing to do with the bat back then , it was about the ball. |
| Feb. 26, 2009 GT Men's 60 162 posts | I am having a senior moment. I wrote a reply that ended up in the wrong thread. omg Give me some meds. I meant it for this one. Got sidetracked with a phone call. Never would have responded had I known where it would end up. GT Houston |
| Feb. 26, 2009 firebird380hp Men's 60 85 posts | yes I think it is...when I play with my young guy team the younger players dont have the respect that most of us did when we were at that age.Now I cant comment in senior because I play the outfield when playing senior.And I also think that most of us have better bat control also where the some of the young guys just swing and have no idea where it's going. |
| Feb. 26, 2009 einstein Men's 50 3112 posts | Joncon, that's brilliant. Pitchers decide what pitchers need. If you give us pitchers more to work with like higher/lower arc limits, wider longer pitcher box, 1-1 count, larger plate the issue of pitcher safety would be a less to non issue. Any protective equipment a pitcher might want is OK with me including a bigger glove (15"). A screen is OK, too, if it means we can keep good bat/balls in the game. That's the key, good bat/ball combo, is a must. HR's as singles/walks is the single most protective measure in today's game. It's the unwritten rule that allows the hitter, the biggest/best hitters to stay away from the middle all together as most of us chose to do. It takes players, real players of today's game to get the value of HR's as singles/walks and the dramatically increased threat to pitchers when HR's are outs. Unfortunately for some there is nothing good to say about the PPR. It's a dawg that won't hunt. And when it's removed then pitchers will need to be protected, again as they were last year with HRs as singles/walks. |
| Feb. 26, 2009 Rhino Men's 55 33 posts | I agree with Joncon's position that pitchers and only pitchers can assess the danger level but even that is going to be very subjective. The new pitch box rules are punitive and not protective as it's after the fact and very subjective. It puts the umpires in the impossible position of making a "judgement" call. I don't have a problem with a pitching screen being used if a pitcher feels unsafe, but absolutely don't believe it should be an out if the screen is hit. However, they aren't fail safe ... nothing is. Saw a discus thrower standing behind a screen take one off the nose bridge by a thrower on the other side that lost control and it came thru the screen. He thought he was safe and wasn't paying attention. The bat and probably ball technology is much different than back in the 70's when I started playing men's softball. However, there were pitchers getting injured and killed back then with the ole Hot Dot or Red Dot balls and 38 ounce bombats. Probably why they quit using that ball. So, maybe not that much different. Heck, although I wouldn't like it ... I guess they could use pitching machines and let the pitchers be the 5th infielders if it's that much of an issue. But there will still be people hit with balls at all the bases especially 3rd and 1st. So what do we do for that? I would still play if they forced us all to go back to wood bats. I'm just not sure how much slower thru the middle the ball off a wood bat is vs a composite, so it may not make any difference at the pitcher position. I pitch and can attest that I quit playing youngster ball (still play 35+) and moved up to seniors a couple years back because I was having trouble picking the ball up off the bat of the better youth hitters ... especially at night. Hard to defend what you can't see. I do not wear any protective gear and question my sanity sometimes and have seriously thought about it, but so far have opted not too. Although have used soccer guards in the past. I don't see senior players constantly going for the middle like the youngsters do. I believe most of that is created by the limited or no HR's rules in youth ball and the new bat technology where anyone can "accidently" hit a HR now and they don't want to be penalized or cost their team. Every pitch you "have" to be ready to defend yourself. I see a lot of pitchers watching and not defending after ball release. Not good ... they better have superhuman reactions if that's the case as they are playing russian roulette with their bodies and possibly lives. Usally see this a lot in lower levels or when non-pitchers are used but sometimes at the upper levels as well. I'm of the opinion that the good hitters (the ones with bat control in seniors) hardly ever hit through the pitcher. It's the ones that don't have bat control that create havoc up the middle. Although, as in the youth ball, there are a few hitters that just don't care and think it's funny to light up a pitcher. However, none of them are ever pitchers themselves. Funny how that works out! One last thought ... no matter what you do technology wise and protection wise ... injuries are just going to be part of the game we all love. It's up to each individual, family and friends to decide when it's time for an someone to stop playing. We all know when that is, just like when I knew it was time to move up to senior ball and get out of youth ball and when it'll be time for me to stop pitching and go play another position and eventually stop playing altogether. |
| Feb. 26, 2009 QC Softball Men's 55 20 posts | I've pitched ASA & USSSA since the 70's and still do for young man ball but I don't in senior ball. I don't even like play infield in senior ball. The ball does come back a little faster but the big difference I feel is the hardest of the ball. Remember when we used to start a game with two new balls because the ball would get soft by the third or fourth inning. I can remember getting hit several times but the ball only bruised you, it leave knots or break bones. Question a lot faster or a lot harder? |
| Feb. 26, 2009 allworld Men's 50 19 posts | I've played this game for 48yrs. between hard ball and softball. I've played at every level except major league baseball. And at no time did I every want to get on the field and look like a clown. So, no I am not wearing a goalies outfit just to pitch so some of you so called hitting can come back up the middle at the pitcher. There needs to be strong rules about coming up the middle, and don't tell me to get the proper equipment. I like the bats and the balls that they use in senior softball and hope that doesn't change. But what does need to change, is some of you think going up the middle is O.K. and he should field his position. Hell, balls have been hit past me and I didn't even see them til they were past, now how are you going to defend that. And everyone has there thoughts about well maybe he shouldn't pitch. But believe me, if most pitchers tell the truth, there worst nightmare is some 200lber or bigger getting into one and coming up the middle. I don't know the answer, just know something has to be done about the pitcher protection rule. |
| Feb. 26, 2009 einstein Men's 50 3112 posts | If someone can't react to a ball till its by them he shouldn't be on the mound. Pitching is a very special position. Not only is it risky and should be, most players playing senior ball don't have a clue what's involved with pitching or how much a pitcher can affect a game at every level. Mutual deterrence is the best way to keep your pitcher safe. If they go hard at yours you go hard at theirs. Only way to play the game. The difference between to teams that can pound the ball and/or score a lot of runs almost always is the pitcher. |
| Feb. 26, 2009 tinman Men's 50 75 posts | IT IS MORE DANGEROUS IN 2009.I STOPPPED PLAYING OPEN BALL IN 2008 FOR SENIOR BALL AND LOVED EVERY MOMENT.I PITCH AND HIT HOME RUNS.I AM NOT LOOKING FORWARD TO 2009.MANY OF THE MOST POWERFULL HITTERS WILL HIT THE CENTER OF THE FIELD BEFORE THE HOMERUNS ARE OUTS IF THERE ARE FEW RUNNERS ON BASE AND AFTER THEY ARE GONE THE "I'M SORRY" SWINGS BEGIN.HRS SHOULD NEVER BE OUTS IN SENIOR BALL. |
| Feb. 26, 2009 WOW 197 posts | Hey Allworld! I'm surprised your still in this "world" refusing to protect yourself, but thats your choice. Don't get mad when the ball comes up the middle, and complain about looking like a clown while refusing to protect yourself. Most batters can't control where the ball goes. |
| Feb. 27, 2009 Omar Khayyam 1357 posts | Back to Joncon's question: yes, I feel the middle is more dangerous now than in the past. Part of it is slowing reflexes, but older dudes don't hit it as hard either. The real problem is hot bats/hot balls that result in a dangerous speed whenever the ball comes up the middle. I have been pitching softball for 57 consecutive seasons (fast pitch the first 20 years) and I have been tatooed a lot over the years, but mostly bruises and one broken thumb. But in the last three years since the every-tournament presence of the Miken I have had a broken finger and a broken thumb (both through the mitt) and the ONLY time I have been knocked out of a game physically was on a hot one bouncer off my knee. I've had wicked shin bruises that lasted for months and been hobbled by other leg hits. I've had the mark of a ball on my chest. Have I suddenly lost the ability to field my position after a half century? No, I just don't even see the ball sometimes. Yep, it's more dangerous now than before. I already wear shin guards and this year going to use a mask against some teams and I back up against known sluggers and unknown batters. I would love to have some equalizers such as unlimited arc, or pitching from 60 feet away, or using a screen when the sun is in my eyes. But most of all, I would like to see the game return to a better balance of defense and strategy and not just home runs over the fence (and I say this as one who now hits home runs for the first time with my own Miken). I'd gladly retire my bat in a minute for the sake of safety (not just pitchers but corner infielders as well). Unlike some, it doesn't do much for my ego to hit a home run with an enhanced bat and lively ball. |
| Feb. 27, 2009 #6 Men's 60 1173 posts | allworld, I have only one question: You say you have played this game for 48 years, but your title is men's 50 ? Sorry something doesn't add up. |
| Feb. 27, 2009 Dirty Men's 50 1371 posts | Sure it does. He said INCLUDING hardball, which he could have started when he was 7 or 8. The only thing that doesn't add up is your math skills. |
| Feb. 27, 2009 einstein Men's 50 3112 posts | WOW. I've had the good fortune to play with and against the best players/hitters in the country for the last couple of years and I'll tell you this about big hitters. They control the ball by pitch selection not by bat control. Bat control is for singles guys only. Big hitters swing the same all the time as hard and fast as they can. It's just where the pitch is that dictates where the pitch goes. So a big hitter, like Clatta, knows where the balls going when he takes his cut. Now, if he cares about the pitcher being hit he won't swing at that pitch. But if he doesn't or doesn't care or has 2 strikes or wants to drill the pitcher it's controlled/set up by the pitch and the pitcher. This is more than a subtle difference. It means that smart pitchers can protect themselves and meaningfully by their knowledge and command of their craft and the more options, like arc and angles the more they can help control the hitters which directly increases their safety and holds down the run scoring in any game which keeps games more competitive and running on time. |
| Feb. 27, 2009 Dirty Men's 50 1371 posts | einstein, all very true. Though pitching should only be about doing what you need to to win. Not about protection or the time limit. |
| Feb. 27, 2009 #6 Men's 60 1173 posts | Dirty, Funny I was addressing allworld, not you !Unless I am wrong, which I know you never are, he says he has played 48 years and he is playing now on a 50 team, you do the math wizeguy and leave me the hell alone ! |
| Feb. 27, 2009 Dirty Men's 50 1371 posts | You badly needed help. He could be 60 playing on a 50 team. Where did he say he IS 50 now? |
| Feb. 27, 2009 #6 Men's 60 1173 posts | Funny, I thought I told you to leave me the hell alone !But to humor you, I don't know a lot of 50 players playing on a 60 and over team.Not saying it doesn't happen, but to allworld , If I am wrong, I APOLOGIZE. |
| Feb. 27, 2009 a/c Men's 65 44 posts | NO. |
| Feb. 27, 2009 a/c Men's 65 44 posts | ON second thought NO |
| Feb. 27, 2009 taits Men's 65 4548 posts | I used to play with allwood some years ago on a 55 team that split up. He could play 60's but looks like he choose to play 55 this year from my info. |
| Feb. 27, 2009 einstein Men's 50 3112 posts | Hey A/C, Here's one of the greatest pitchers in all of senior ball with 40 or so national major plus championship rings and he says it's not more dangerous now to pitch than years ago. I believe HIM. So again, where's all the push coming from to change our game/our equipment/ our standards? To what and for whom? Not for/from us the pitchers. Don't think so, take a poll. |
| Feb. 27, 2009 Dirty Men's 50 1371 posts | Funny, I don't remember allworld asking for your comments either. But that didn't stop you from questioning him. Look in the mirror before you post! |
| Feb. 27, 2009 Dirty Men's 50 1371 posts | Even if he is 55, and there are a lot of those playing 50, the math could work out just fine. You think only 50 year olds play 50s? |
| Feb. 27, 2009 OTE24 Men's 65 123 posts | No,but I have shin guards/pads and a helmet if I need it. I assume every hitter is coming back at me. It's also a the most fun on the field. That's what the game's about,fun,friends and a cold drink afterwards. |
| Feb. 27, 2009 softball4b Men's 70 1248 posts | For purpose of this discussion, you are right. Any age can PLAY down, the key word is PLAY and not sitting on your couch in Ohio talking about people who do compete with the best. snap........... |
| Feb. 27, 2009 Dirty Men's 50 1371 posts | As soon as there are meaningful tournaments with meaningful numbers of participants, and not a "world" championship every other weekend, I will. |
| Feb. 27, 2009 softball4b Men's 70 1248 posts | Please let me know when you do, because I would love to see you play and play against you. |
| Feb. 27, 2009 Dirty Men's 50 1371 posts | Ditto. |
| Feb. 27, 2009 #6 Men's 60 1173 posts | softball4b,I would love to just to see him ! |
| Feb. 27, 2009 SOFTBALLGRAMPS Men's 55 98 posts | I played against OTE24 last weekend in Anaheim and in our Sunday game both pitchers had shots back at them and fielded they positions pretty good, hats off to you OTE24 |
| Feb. 27, 2009 softball4b Men's 70 1248 posts | The guys from RSM can flat play.........;-) |
| Feb. 27, 2009 hitt2 353 posts | Dirty If you were a real softball player you would know. Every tourney is meaningful to the participants. It affords them opportunity to display their skills and love for the game without any stipulation or lame excuse for not playing. I think the proper statement would be, "World Championship qualifiers" every other weekend. Your excuses are common among Rec players. You stay in Rec league its safe for you. Play and gain credibility don't whine and bore us. |
| Feb. 27, 2009 Dirty Men's 50 1371 posts | #6, I would love to see you develop some math skills. hitt, absolutely every game has some meaning. Which is why I posted yesterday that the only important stat is the final score and not how far someone can hit a ball with the right "bat/ball combo". But all of these "world" tourneys have so little meaning as any kind of true world championship. One or two might be better than the others, but with such limited participation they don't carry much additional significance. And those without any qualifiers mean even less. Paying your way in to beat 4 teams and win the right to buy yourself a ring is not my idea of a significant achievement. |
| Feb. 27, 2009 softball4b Men's 70 1248 posts | If he did that he would have to turn in his Oz Card.......you know where he stands behind the curtain and speaks all knowing all powerful.........but when the curtain is removed.......the true nature is revealed. |
| Feb. 27, 2009 Dirty Men's 50 1371 posts | If and where you can objectively prove me wrong I am more than open to changing my thinking. But rules made that change the fundamental way the game is played just to accommodate guys having the equipment that allows them to hit balls to places they couldn't 30 years ago is just silly, and not very meaningful. And it is just common sense that an overabundance of "world" tourneys waters them all down. |
| Feb. 27, 2009 hitt2 353 posts | Dirty You’re wrong the final score isn't what it is all about. Wining and losing is important, but not the focus. Playing hard at the best of ones ability with character is what it all about. Most of us have earned the adulations and awards of importance prior to this stage in life. If my team is able to play and earn a ring or other awards that’s great, but it still another trophy case item, which doesn’t make me who I am as person or man. My character does that. I’m a flawed person as most are, but I learn from mistake and grow moving forward. |
| Feb. 27, 2009 softball4b Men's 70 1248 posts | Dirty....I only worry about the things where I can attempt to affect change. I can't reduce the number of organizations which in some select instances become no more than regional tourneys. Economy dictates to a certain extent and will either perpetuate the current system of the lesser organizations will fade out of relevance. From the 70's to now the ball ahs been adjusted, the bats have been adjusted, the rules have been adjusted. Therefore I have adjusted. I have hit HRS all my life. First softball game I ever played I hit 2hrs. There have been years I hit 200 and then there were years I hit 50, man I hated the gold stitch ball in 1980. Just the nature of the game. Bottom-line I do not work for a bat company....or softball organization, but I can chose to particpate or not.......and if I don't I don't bitch about it........ You might be a smart guy, but your constant whining about crap we can't change is annoying, irritating, and only mildly entertaining. So man up play the game with the rest us or whine somewhere else.......because you aren't walking in our shoes........ |
| Feb. 27, 2009 Dirty Men's 50 1371 posts | hitt, you make good points but I can do all those things and still find the game a complete failure if I don't win. The final score is what it is most important. There is a reason the rings are for winning and not who was the nicest guy. Of course other things matter too, just not as much. softball4b, do you "control" things? I know you don't. But, and God I don't mean to sound like "einstein" here, you can attempt to exercise influence. Will you alone make the difference? Probably not. And as a guy who sounds like you can hit balls out with most anything, why would you want legal equipment that allows guys without the ability to do what you most likely work very hard to be able to do? That is what puzzles me most in all this. |
| Feb. 27, 2009 hitt2 353 posts | Question: What is a winner? Answer: A person that showed up gave all they had to the best of their ability. In a team sport the team wins /loss not the individual, but there are still winners on both teams. I and I’m sure other ball players don’t like to loose, but it's a part of life. To quote you "I can do all those things and still find the game a complete failure if I don't win. Where is the "I" in team. |
| Feb. 27, 2009 Pieman Men's 60 108 posts | I have been pitching for 30 years with 8 seasons in senior ball. Two of those seasons were Major+ and 5 seasons of 50 Major. Last year our 55 team was AAA. 4 years ago I broke my fibula when a ball was hit back at me. This year at the Atlantic Coast I got nailed in the neck. Both instances were my own fault becasue I did not get myself ready to field. I am against the pitcher protection rule mainly because it doesn't protect me. I back up and I am always out of the box. I say if you want to give me protection let me back up all the way to second base. I find the ball coming back at me just as hard as when I was younger. It takes alot of skill to pitch and field and I pride myself on the fact I can still do it. If it's too hot then get out of the kitchen. I would never want to pitch with a screen. I wore shin guards but stopped. Never wore a mask or chest protector. I am a proponent of the 5 man infield, that seems to deter the middle shots. Maybe add a extra defender might be the answer. By the way I do remember T4000 and there was a warning label printed on it. I also remember the DeBeer Rocket ball. Also, don't think enough credit is given to the pitcher when it comes to all tournament awards either. Almost everyone takes the pitcher for granted. Mike Santo Sweet Construction 50/55 |
| Feb. 27, 2009 Dirty Men's 50 1371 posts | Of course it is a team sport, but as do some others on here I play the only position for which individual win-loss records are kept. It is COMMON to say “the pitcher got the win” and conversely “the pitcher got the loss”. That is where my “I” was coming from. And sorry, winning and losing is ONLY determined on the scoreboard. That is why God gave us them. |
| Feb. 27, 2009 softball4b Men's 70 1248 posts | Bottom line I am not going to take a knife to a gunfight. Legal equipment is legal equipment. I will never alter a bat from a manufacturer, but I will swing the best available for me in the classification I play. That is why I swung a legal single wall Pyrotech in last night's league game, a double wall Anderson or Dimarini in Tusday's league game and my Senior Gear in Senior Tourneys. |
| Feb. 27, 2009 allworld Men's 50 19 posts | To the people that like to judge other people. I put my comments on here to add to the topic. Not to hear I've lost my skills and that my age doesn't add up. Yes, as time goes by we all lose a little something, but until you see me play you have know idea of my skills. As for Joe, Ive played against you with the Crew, Exstreme, Stixxs and Wilsons. Never pitched against you, play ss, and maybe your right might be slowing down a bit. As for #6 the age is 59 and didn't really start playing until I was 11yrs old as if that mattered. I just gave my thoughts and believe that is what it asked for. As for my handle, that also bothers alot of peopele also, it was meant just as I stated, Ive play all over the world from Korea to Germany and through out the United States and the people that really know me, would tell you I am up front guy. |
| Feb. 27, 2009 #6 Men's 60 1173 posts | allworld, It wasn't my intention to suggest your not a stand up guy.My bad, I was trying to figure the math, but as "Dirty straighten me out "I am not good at math.Sorry about the misunderstanding and the BEST off luck to you in 2009. Dirty, see that is what you do when your wrong, but I forget your never wrong.Also, I am going to do something you know nothing about, I am going to play in a tournament.Have a nice weekend,JERK !! |
| Feb. 27, 2009 Dirty Men's 50 1371 posts | I am the "JERK"? You tried to trash allworld, I showed how messed up you were (not a challenge, by the way) and I am the jerk. Hilarious! softball4b, I also swing the best legal bat. I understand that completely. But my only point to bringing up equipment is I see NO sense in making all of these new rules that fundamentally change the way the game is played just to accommodate the equipment. Without bats that no one else is allowed to use screens and pitcher protection rules and pitcher boxes and all of the other nonsense might be avoided. I have no real problems with the special bats, but just don't try and make me wear goalie equipment or pitch from behind a screen. And please don't take away my opportunity to field balls. Those are NOT how the game was intended. |
| Feb. 27, 2009 #6 Men's 60 1173 posts | Dirty, You may need to go back and read my post to allworld, wasn't trashing him at all, was asking a question! And as you said in your post, I am a JERK, Your correct sir. |
| Feb. 27, 2009 #6 Men's 60 1173 posts | Dirty,The way you and I go back at each other is wasting a lot of time on this board.That is not what this board is about.We are wasting other players time reading this "STUFF". Lets make a deal, Lets agree to disagree and never again talk to each other on this board AGAIN ! |
| Feb. 27, 2009 DCPete 409 posts | This thread raises a good question: what potentially causes a worse injury, the batted ball speed or the type of ball? Today's lighter, composite bats do seem to generate a higher BBS but the old 48 & 50 cor balls were much harder than the current 44/375 in use. Does anyone have any statistics detailing the number & severity of injuries in 2008 vs 1998? |
| Feb. 27, 2009 Lecak Men's 60 1026 posts | DC Pete I hope you have a sense of humor your question reminded me of an old Monty Pyton skit the bridge of death. Copy this into your browser http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4b4bGAoVR7g |
| Feb. 27, 2009 wyo22 Men's 70 26 posts | The original question was is it more dangerous today to pitch than it was years ago. I have played this game as long as slow pitch has been around and fast pitch before that and I have pitched for most of that time. I do not think it is more dangerous today than before. A pitchers position has and will always be a more dangerous position simply because you are much closer to the batter. Its no different in the big leagues, pitchers get hit with shots and get hurt, simply because they are closer to the batter. I am also one who willnot wear all the protectivegear pitchers are starting to wear, but thats my choice and if I get hurt I had the option. I pride mysefl in the fact that I can play defense pretty good and I can back up when releasing the ball as far as I want and I do with some hitters. To pitch effectively you have to know the hitters and most good hitters will tell you that some pitchers are very effective and a major part of the defensive scheme. By the way pitchers, it never hurts to pray before walking to that mound either. You all have a great year. Wyo 22 |
| Feb. 28, 2009 Airbosn Men's 70 329 posts | IMO the risk is about the same. I have pitched at all levels, still pitch in over 30 league during the week. Pitch and play infield for a 60 major team. During games I am very alert and aware where my pitches are going and get into the defensive position quickly. I also have and will wear protective equipment depending on the environment, field, weather conditions and team being played. DBO needs to be removed. |
| Feb. 28, 2009 Jimmy#7 12 posts | Good AM,I alway's play OF in senior ball,but,this year I'M looking forward to pitching.I myself think the screen is just something else to get in the way of the ball.The helmet is a very good safety item,but,I sweat alot and probably would pass out from the heat.Einstein is VERY correct the pitcher serve's it up and control's the batter's swing,or where it's put into play.Every pitcher never tries to serve MEAT all the time.I know if a hitter jack's one on me the rest of the game,I never give him crap to hit.The pitcher take's the bat out of MEAT'S hand's.Every pitcher-(GOOD)-can throw deep-front of the plate-in-out-palm ball's-knuckle's-hook's-So that give's the pitcher time to react.Beside's when the pitcher play's defense and play's the middle when backing up.He's a HERO-when he misses those-he's the 1st to think I should of had that one.But,his team mates don't want to pitch.Einstein,I'll have to disagree on your post.If the other team hit's at our pitcher-we'll hit at there's.NONE of us play's to get hurt,DIE,broken up,or want to retire because of an injury.ARE OUR EGO'S THAT LARGE THAT WE HAVE TO HURT SOMEONE TO PROVE-"WE ARE BAD OR THE BEST-OR WE SHOWED HIM WHO'S THE BOSS.I play for exercise-fun-to meet and compete against other's-AND MAINLY-FOR THE LOVE OF THE SPORT AND GAME.No player or teammate--WANT'S TO BE THE PERSON TO GO TO ANY PLAYER'S HOUSE WITH BAD NEWS OF INJURY OR WORST..SAFETY 1st ANGER NEVER INJURY LAST...Everyone have a SAFE and JOYFUL 09 |
| Feb. 28, 2009 DCPete 409 posts | Lecak; very Monty Python-esque, I'll have to forward to my Scottish golf buddy. |
