Quote:
Originally posted by Dakota
Quote:
Originally posted by IRISHMAFIA
I do not like, nor support the "errant throw" portion of this rule because it nullifies the purpose of the double-base.
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Mike,
I've been thinking about this and trying to understand what you are saying. Compare the play of an errant throw pulling F3 into foul territory under three different circumstances:
a) a single white base;
b) a double base where the defense may not use the colored base on an errant throw;
c) the rule as currently written.
Which is safer?
With a), we have the BR running at full speed to the base in the running lane, and F3 snagging the errant throw and scrambling back to the base. Both players will try to occupy the same spot at the same time, both moving quickly, both approaching the base from the foul territory side.
With b), we have a similar situation, only now F3 has to cross the path of the BR to reach the legal base. While the base each is trying for is different, F3 has a high likelihood, it seems to me, of blocking the colored base as she tries to beat the runner to the base.
With c), the BR may cross into fair territory and run outside the running lane to touch the white base, and F3 may scramble back to the colored base. Of course, maybe they won't do this, but they can in order to avoid a collision.
Circumstance c) seems safer to me.
[Edited by Dakota on Jan 7th, 2002 at 09:43 AM]
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The problem is that if you ever watch JO players, they often run with their heads down. Even if they were paying attention, a fielder who goes for a wide throw isn't going to give the runner much time to "cross over".
Also, if the fielder knows s/he can use the outer portion of the base, they are more likely to try and hold the bag and catch the ball. If they are aware the cannot get an out, they are more likely to leave the area of the base to catch the ball and not allow the overthrow.
Or, at least, that is what decent coaching would provide.
The single white base is just as safe as a double-base if the players are properly coached. Too often you see 1st basemen planting their foot in the middle of the base as much as you see the runners clipping the inside of the base. The double-base is nothing more than a substitute for good coaching and mechanics. In the long run, it is a detrement to the game and the players.
I have been working with the double-base for nearly four years and have not seen any reduction in collisions at 1B.