Mis-use of Courtesy Runners

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Correct me if I'm wrong, but, I've always been under the impression that a Courtesy Runner goes in for the Pitcher or Catcher when there's two outs because they need a little extra time at the end of the half-inning to get ready to play defense.

All the time we're seeing a Pitcher/Catcher get on base with 0 or 1 outs, and the first thing the coach does is "Time, Blue - I need a courtesy runner". Shouldn't these players still be on base either 1) helping their team score or 2) learning how to run bases? There are a lot of players who aren't good at base running because they never get past first base! Are our rosters so deep that we can have specialists? All I do is pitch - All I do is catch...

I realize that some people say that they don't want their battery taking extra risk for injury by being on base. But the position players could get injured just as easily.

Maybe I'm wrong about the concept of Courtesy Runners. What do you think?

 

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A courtesy runner for the Pitcher and Catcher can be used at any time.

Len

 

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Yep, anytime and it's not just for the time to get ready. It's also to preserve the energy of the two hardest workers in a game. Why would the pitcher need extra time?

 

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Depending on the tempurature (very hot) and how many games are planned for the day usually determines if I will use a courtesy runner. The heat willl take the steam right out of a pitcher and since the catcher has all the gear on the heat is even worse on them. I only use courtesy runners to save the legs and energy of my pitchers and catchers. When the situation allows my pitchers and catchers will run the bases.

 

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Our pitcher learned the hard way about base running. She begged to run all last year and at the beginning of this year she was allowed to run.........until she had to slide into home plate on a close play and the catcher landed on her knee at an akward angle. Result: sprained MCL and lots of pain. She learned there is a reason for the runner and she does not ask to run now. She knows how, but has given up on it because she understands her importance to the team.

 

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Well, Raise My Rent - I was wrong.

I guess when I see that players like Jenny Finch, who pitches, hits, and runs (all very well) was actually allowed to pitch, hit, and run, I want more girls to be "complete" players like that.

Thanks.

 

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You do not risk your pitchers and catchers especially at the older levels

 

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High school rules allow for more participation from girls and do allow for what I term "Roll players" on the team. This is one of the things I do like about the NFHS and the OHSAA, they do give a coach more options. Courtesy runners in travel ball are most always used but because the rosters are normally smaller the "specialists" won't be as noticeable.

 

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You do not risk your pitchers and catchers especially at the older levels

Excellent point

On our HS team we have very little depth; my dd is the only catcher. That being said, she is also a much better base runner than the girls on the bench. Our coach will let the situation dictate whether she runs for her or not; if we really need a run she runs for herself. As Tim points out, however, it is a risk out there because she is our only "real catcher" and it takes a toll on you. We had DH both Friday and Saturday last week that included an extra inning game. We were missing a couple of players so we basically had no bench so she had to catch all four games and run for herself everytime. Saturday that was one tired girl.

 

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I do know of some local leagues that have their own "house rules" that say a CR can only be used with two outs. So, it's not unheard of. But it isn't the case in high school, ASA, NSA or USSSA softball.

 

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Our school frequently uses courtesy runners for pitcher and catcher no matter how many outs there are - for all the reasons cited. It doesn't mean that the courtesy runner is even faster or a better base runner - but it does give other girls a role to play.

My DD hates it when she is pulled for a courtesy runner - but it is not a bad idea. Our travel team is in the market for a pitcher because one of our girls tore her ACL sliding into home and will be out for the summer.

 

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Well, Raise My Rent - I was wrong.

I guess when I see that players like Jenny Finch, who pitches, hits, and runs (all very well) was actually allowed to pitch, hit, and run, I want more girls to be "complete" players like that.

Thanks.

I didn't follow her entire career, but letting Jenny Finch do those things on the national team when you have Cat Osterman, Monica Abbott and other great pitchers on the bench is pretty low risk. Yes any position can get injured running the bases, but if your SS goes down, chances are another player can step in and do 80% of the job, if your pitcher goes down your second baseman can't necessarily step in and do even 20% of the job. You should always have back ups at every position, but at pitcher the drop off can be extreme especially for HS ball. The other thing is that minor injuries you might get running the bases tweaking an ankle or a wrist can be played through at positions that only handle the ball a dozen times or less a game, not so with pitching or catching where your taking a pounding every pitch.

 

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I know it is a little different, but my son who is a good pitcher and all-around baseball player tells his coach he prefers not to hit on the days he is the starting pitcher because he would rather save his energy and focus for pitching on those days rather than worry about hitting and baserunning

 

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Correct me if I'm wrong, but, I've always been under the impression that a Courtesy Runner goes in for the Pitcher or Catcher when there's two outs because they need a little extra time at the end of the half-inning to get ready to play defense.

All the time we're seeing a Pitcher/Catcher get on base with 0 or 1 outs, and the first thing the coach does is "Time, Blue - I need a courtesy runner". Shouldn't these players still be on base either 1) helping their team score or 2) learning how to run bases? There are a lot of players who aren't good at base running because they never get past first base! Are our rosters so deep that we can have specialists? All I do is pitch - All I do is catch...

The 2-out provision is common in baseball, although there are variations. Some rulesets mandate a courtesy runner for the catcher when there are 2 outs.

Our travel team lets the pitchers and catchers run for themselves until June. We typically start using courtesy runners for the pitchers after that as a precaution for injuries. Hopefully we'll do courtesy runners for one of our new catchers this year in tournaments because she lacks speed.

From what I've seen in HS games, the use of courtesy runners is split fairly evenly - some do and some don't. The top team in our league, Esperanza (ESPN #6), uses some rabbits for their pitcher and catcher.

Why would the pitcher need extra time?

Pitchers don't need extra time - it's so they can start their warm up pitches as soon as possible.

 

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You go to the top notch tourneys like ASA nationals and all the Texas and California teams carry 15 or more players. They have a few speedsters on the bench that are there purely to run for pitchers and catchers and it really gives them the edge. I agree to make them well-rounded players if you are playing league games or small tourneys but you want to be a top notch team, you have speed on the bench. fyi - our summer catcher fx her ankle in three places sliding into second. Really wish the hs coach would have had a courtesy runner in that situation. She gets mad at us in the summer but we pinch run for her alot and she is a very good athlete that is also a smart base runner!

 

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We had a situation last year where we got the pitcher on, two outs...I got caught up in talking to the next batter, and we got one ball pitched. Then my assistant hollers from first base to get my attention and ask for a CR. Blue tells me, no you can't do that now after we have had a pitch, you had to do it before the next at bat was started...is this correct?

 

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You can insert the courtesy runner at any time. Let the pitcher run till she is on third, then insert the courtesy for the suicide squeeze.
(That won't tip the other coach off!)

 

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Joed - the count doesn't matter - anytime ...