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Originally Posted by Uncle George
Some of you may think this is a stupid question, but here goes anyway...and I expect some smart### answers, but that's ok, too! Laughter is good for the soul!
What determing factors do you look for when calling a game due to darkness...other then the obvious? Also do you inform both coaches that "this is the last inning because we're calling it due to darkness". Or do you just, when the time is right, say that' is, no more due to darkness.
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I would stay away from telling coaches anything as that can get you into more problems then it's worth. You NEVER know if you have a quick 1,2,3 inning and you just told the coaches "Last inning" and there is still plenty of light left. You and your partner make that call - Do not involve coaches.
First and foremost, the coaches / players KNOW that the field doesn't have lights so they should be hustling every inning.
Here's what I have done and IMO it works best. Whenever you stop the game you will always hear complaints anyway but my rule of thumb is this.
Let's say you have 6 completed innings and it's getting to be "that time" I recommend stopping the game right then and there because at least from my experience when you start the 7th "holy hell" can break loose. Remember if the VT is leading the HT still needs to get their at bats so you have to judge how long an inning will take and if it's Borderline simply stop the game at the end of 6. Each team had an equal number of at bats so you are not cheating anyone and as i mentioned the particpants knew the conditions before the game started.
My response when I "hear it" is: "Skip either start the game earlier (that's your call not the umpires or you have to do is notify the assignor) or play on a field that has lights"
Also there are Legitimate stall tactics that a manger can use when it's getting dark. Ie; Change pitchers. He has every right to change his F1 and the new F1 gets 8 warm-up throws. All this takes time therefore, as mentioned when you get to the bottom of 6 and it's borderline - Stop the game.
Pete Booth