coachjwb
Well-Known Member
I know there's a thread every so often on this and many other threads that mention it, but I wanted to resurrect the topic. Like many other people, I hate that our game that was not meant to have time limits now too frequently has them ... to the point that I think some people forget a game is supposed to be 7 innings. I'm not going to get into all of the reasons why we are stuck with time limits in tournaments, because they're fairly obvious and it's not going to change anytime soon. What I specifically wanted to do here is list out some different "strategies" coaches sometimes employ in dealing with time limits, and what people think is "OK" and what isn't. I personally think that coaches have some responsibility to maintain the integrity of the game as well as to teach their players something about it, but there are a couple of things I will admit I've done in the past (well maybe just one thing) .... I know there are other coaches out there who believe they can and should do everything they can to take advantage of the rules and help their team win games. I am going to throw out a few that come to mind ... feel free to add others. Also feel free to differentiate whether you think it makes a difference if it's a pool or elimination game. I will offer my opinions later ...
1) Intentionally walk batters with time running down
2) Call timeouts to talk with the pitcher that you wouldn't ordinarily call
3) Ask the catcher or other infielder to go talk with the pitcher
4) Have a player call timeout to tie their shoes, adjust their equipment, or check a "phantom" injury
5) Call time to talk with the umpires about something that you wouldn't ordinarily
6) Tell the hitters to take pitches until they get a strike or two
7) Have players make outs on purpose so as to start a new inning before time runs out
8) Make a lineup change that will take time to do and report to the ump and scorekeepers
9) Have the catcher walk out and look back the runners every pitch (that she wouldn't ordinarily do)
Should be interesting ...
1) Intentionally walk batters with time running down
2) Call timeouts to talk with the pitcher that you wouldn't ordinarily call
3) Ask the catcher or other infielder to go talk with the pitcher
4) Have a player call timeout to tie their shoes, adjust their equipment, or check a "phantom" injury
5) Call time to talk with the umpires about something that you wouldn't ordinarily
6) Tell the hitters to take pitches until they get a strike or two
7) Have players make outs on purpose so as to start a new inning before time runs out
8) Make a lineup change that will take time to do and report to the ump and scorekeepers
9) Have the catcher walk out and look back the runners every pitch (that she wouldn't ordinarily do)
Should be interesting ...