LIMIT COURTESY RUNNERS

May 1, 2011

One rule I think that needs some modifications is the courtesy runner. Currently there is no limit on the number of runners you can have per inning. The only rule is that the same runner cannot run twice in an inning.

With the current rules, we are seeing the same people on base every inning.

I realize that many of us seniors cannot run for ourselves. But we should set a limit of say one per inning for the 55s, two per inning for the 60s, three per inning for the 65s and four per inning for 70 and older divisions.

This would force the manager to make a decision on whether to use a runner or save their best runner for a key situation during that inning.

Today, we see guys running for people just because they are the fastest on their teams. I don't think that is fair to the defensive team and it can lead to the game becoming a travesty.

The intent of the rule is a courtesy to a person who can't run for themselves, not just because one guy is faster than the other. If we can enforce a uniformed courtesy runner rule for all senior tourneys I think you would see better games all the way around.

The penalty for not following the rule would be the same as it is today, an out.

Rico Tepedino

Rochester, NY