Quote:
Originally posted by Dakota
Two responses to your post, Atl...
1) With the exception of HS varsity and JV fields, most SB fields here are multi-use. They already cope with pitching plates ranging from 35' to 53'. I've even done tournaments where the field changed from 10U to 12U and back all on Saturday. If the field is set up for it, it is not that big of a deal. (BTW, my biggest issue with multi-use fields is not the PP, it is the fence distance.)
2) Your ISF example don't cut no ice as a comparison to the NCAA. Ask some of the NCAA umpires who calls the shots on rule enforcement in Div 1 college. It is not the umpires. If the powers-that-be (i.e. coaches) don't want the rule enforced, it won't be. If it is not going to be enforced, take it out. The leap clearly is not being enforced most of the time. Neither is the second push off. Neither is the 24" width. Adjust the book to what will be called. Quit pretending. JMO.
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In the second point, I don't see the "who the powers-that-be are" as an issue. As an NCAA D1 umpire, I am well aware of your point, just not your solution. NCAA rules committee decided to clean up obstruction, and did it; they didn't eliminate the "about to receive", but the obstruction warnings and subsequent base awards diminished from start to end of the schedule. Coaches realized it was being enforced, and taught revised defense.
I do agree with eliminating the 24" width rule; and eliminating batting out of the box for slappers and bunters. Just make them start in the box, and only call if they step on home plate (if even then). But not because it isn't called, but because it really can't be effectively called. It is not humanly possible to watch a 60+ mph pitch (and every pitcher in every game was over 60) travel less than 43' (depending on the release point), track that pitch to a ball or strike call, and look at either the pitcher's landing foot location or where the batter's foot is at the moment of contact. To suggest otherwise is ludicrous, and the rules that can't be enforced should be eliminated.
But that is different from the rules that selectively aren't enforced, not because they can't be. There are umpires in position to judge leaping and replanting; they just don't (for, you name the reason, just don't ask Sam or Ron in Omaha). We need the support and empowerment to change the game, and then we could.