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Originally Posted by Larks
Well - D doesn't get any home runs so no, they aren't relevant to this issue  |
But they do locally and in many tournament!!!
Just kidding
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I'll agree to disagree with you. Not a "ground rule", ok....other rules that are flexible to local situations ARE reviewed before every game. 12 after 5, 20 after 4 etc. Why not this rule then if you are enforcing it?
When a relatively high percentage of the games are being played WITHOUT this rule throughout the country, I think it's time to look at why we are still using it in the national tournaments.
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Again, the change is locally and I don't believe the percentage is as high as you think. I've got plenty of experience at the higher national level and don't ever remember covering any book rule at the pregame meeting unless specifically asked about it by the manager. An exception to that would be if requested by the TD through the UIC that each umpire cover something specific in the pre-game and that is often exceptions to a rule for this tournament only, not the rule as written.
Stealing is a rule which is more likely not used at the local league level, but I've never addressed that either unless asked specifically by a manager at the pregame.
It isn't the umpire's job to give teams a rules clinic. These are umpires from around the country and they do not know what happens in your area. If you have a beef, it is with your local folds or tournament directors. They are the ones doing you a disservice and placing your team in jeopardy. Most of the time, the TD allows things simply because it's what the players want.
When I have players complain about running the bases on a HR, it usually involves (like you did) that the upper levels don't have to, whiy should I?
Here is where I get confused. You have players who buy expensive bats that make HR hitters out of anyone, want a postage stamp strike zone as a batter (just like they think the big boys have), they don't want to run out HR (like the big boys), they talk $hit like they are all superstars, but when it comes down to playing for a title, most of these guys cannot find a classification low enough to trophy hunt.
What it comes down to is that the rules are the rules. They are printed and a book is distributed to every team which registers. There are umpire rule clinic all over the country which you could probably attend. However, when it comes to game time, it is time to play ball, not give a rules clinic. Read the book, make yourself aware of the rules which affect your team and attend a clinic or two. Hell, try umpiring, you may like it. I KNOW you will learn more as long as you go into it with an open mind and it will improve your game as a player, guaranteed.
Good luck