Rainy day topic. If you could make some changes to the game that you think would improve the games what would it be?
My top three:
1) Change the penalty for illegal pitches. This one is not too exciting and has been debated before, but why a Ball (or free swing) AND advancement of a baserunner. Seems like overkill. Fortunately, doesn't seem to get called too often anyway, but I think a Ball/Free Swing is sufficient penalty.
2) Eliminate ITB. I suppose starting extra innings with a runner on 2nd served some purpose when it was introduced and there were a lot of 0-0 and 1-1 games. But scoring is way up these days, teams can put runs on the board. Just let them play the game the way it is meant to be played for another inning or two and someone will win most times. I think ITB actually lengthens games sometimes when both teams keep playing for the 1 run.
3) I saved the best for last - Mandatory "ask for help" for the umpires. Nothing makes want to smash my head in the fence more than umpires that won't ask for help, especially when you ask really politely lol. I think once per game a team should be allowed "require" the umpire to ask for help. Basically be allowed to appeal a call that is not normally an appealable play. Or I guess it is like one "challenge" per game where the review comes from the other umpire. However it is written, just get them to ask for that other viewpoint. We all make mistakes, but let's get the call right for the girls when we can!
What are everyone else's ideas??
Tom Scanlon
Ohio Outlaws PA Premier 18U
My top three:
1) Change the penalty for illegal pitches. This one is not too exciting and has been debated before, but why a Ball (or free swing) AND advancement of a baserunner. Seems like overkill. Fortunately, doesn't seem to get called too often anyway, but I think a Ball/Free Swing is sufficient penalty.
2) Eliminate ITB. I suppose starting extra innings with a runner on 2nd served some purpose when it was introduced and there were a lot of 0-0 and 1-1 games. But scoring is way up these days, teams can put runs on the board. Just let them play the game the way it is meant to be played for another inning or two and someone will win most times. I think ITB actually lengthens games sometimes when both teams keep playing for the 1 run.
3) I saved the best for last - Mandatory "ask for help" for the umpires. Nothing makes want to smash my head in the fence more than umpires that won't ask for help, especially when you ask really politely lol. I think once per game a team should be allowed "require" the umpire to ask for help. Basically be allowed to appeal a call that is not normally an appealable play. Or I guess it is like one "challenge" per game where the review comes from the other umpire. However it is written, just get them to ask for that other viewpoint. We all make mistakes, but let's get the call right for the girls when we can!
What are everyone else's ideas??
Tom Scanlon
Ohio Outlaws PA Premier 18U
