What to do ?

That's my point...

if the kid isn't gaining a distinct advantage there is no point in wasting time talking about it...play the game! How many successful pitchers are there that aren't accused of doing something illegal when they are striking everyone out, but when they are being knocked around the park nobody says a word. I say you pitch your best game as hard as you can and let the batters hit you as hard as they can and let the chips fall where they may!

There are always flaws that can be knit picked on any given day, but do you want to embarass a girl or risk shaking her confidence (high school) when she is giving it her all for her team? Let the kids play!! The best umpires and coaches are the ones that you don't remember when the game is over.

 

Should they enforce batter box violations?

Define advantage? Is she getting closer to the batter than she could if she kept her pivot foot in contact with the ground? Why cant the pitchers stay within the rules?

 

Please don't suggest these umpires start calling something else. They all need to remember no one is there to see them but to see girls compete. I'll stop there before I say something I shouldn't.

 

Yes...everyone should!

I totally agree that everyone should abide by the rules...I guess that I was assuming that the pitchers in question were just playing hard and not intentionally replanting or anything. Sorry if I gave the wrong impression.

In the game that I mentioned the illegal pitches, the other team's lead off was a lefty slapper that was very agressive, we threw her two fastballs that she fouled off and then I called for a change up. The slapper made contact with the ball with BOTH feet out of the batters box, probably three feet in front of the box, she fouled the pitch off. She even looked at me and smiled really big! I called time and went to the home plate umpire and asked if he thought that she was out of the box, his response to me was "do you want me to watch her feet or do you want me to watch the ball?" I said thank you and went back to the dugout!

My whole premise is that as long as the kids are playing hard and there isn't an intentional attempt to cheat...I say let them play. We know that none of us...coaches, umpires, players, parents or fans are perfect, but we all should be trying to do the best that we can to help these young ladies be the best people and players that they can be. Rules still apply for everyone.

 

Exactly !!!

You and I are on the same page, I see more slappers hitting the ball illegally then I see pitchers pitching illegally. Dang some of the batters are at first base before the pitch crosses the plate. No wonder you have 2.5 times to first base, I probably could get there in 3.0,and I'm 50 years old !! I'm not saying don't have rules. I've got one ,keep the coaches in their coaches box at the corners that's what it's there for. Make sure batters stay in undeck circles. C'mon CMMGUY let the girls play, don't we have enough rules to follow in this world, you can't govern every fascid of life. Get some Lexpro it will help you !!

Guru

 

Sometimes!

Had a situation Tuesday night where the plate umpire was not consistent. Our catcher, most of you know who she is, could not get the outside corner strike call, curve ball, screwball and some fastballs, while the opposing team lived on this corner. Our catcher has great respect for the game and respects every coach, parent and official at all times. She is never confrontational, and will always ask the umpire if the pitch was too; high, low, inside or out, so as to understand what he is seeing and adjust accordingly. Lets just say that at the end of the game and one previous game with the same situation she was extremely disappointed with the officiating. Our catcher always has a relationship with the plate umpire, calls her own games and typically is successful, win or loose. I however do believe that at some point a coach (adult), must step in and take charge of this situation by communicating with their catcher and the official. I also agree that officials do not want to be showed-up by anyone, in fear of loosing control of the game among other things. Additionally, arguing balls and strikes typically is a waste of time, however, asking the official what he is seeing in a polite manor away form home plate generally results in positive feedback. How would you handle it?
Dad

 

Knowing The Catcher !!

You are correct she is one respectful young lady and her dad is OKAY to __LOL. Yes I think asking the umpire for an IE... " Sir may I ask where that pitch was located?? " this still shows the umpire is in control by asking his permission he would be willing to answer the question if he is professional.

Guru

 

Thanks for the advice. The umpire in question was approached respectfully. Our pitcher was called for going to the glove twice. When we explained she was holding the ball against her chest to get her grip hiding it BEHIND her glove first he stopped calling it. The other pitcher was outside the 24" lane all night and pivot foot was in the air at least 18-24 inches. " gaining advantage!!!" A complaint was filed by our AD. As a wise old coach told me years ago "Most games you must be good enough to beat the other team but some games you must be good enough to beat the other team and the officials.

 

Do Like College !!

Draw the lane from the rubber with chalk, then there want be any questions !!

Guru