[IRISHMAFIA]

Originally Posted by David Emerling

Pitchers are not taught to take a running start although that is a drill that many pitchers do. Some pitches would be rather difficult to throw with a running start, like a dropball, for instance. (Because the stride is shortened to impart more down spin on the ball.)

I would think that the term "running start" may be a bit exaggerated as some invision it, but the movement of the approaching pitcher is probably meant to be more of a distraction then improving the pitch itself.

What if a pitcher wanted to continue to adopt her current pitching style, as if she were pitching from a pitcher's plate? She really can't because there will be no pitcher's plate. She will be forced to pitch from bare dirt with no push off support that a plate typically provides. That is no small matter, by the way.

I don't think it is that big a deal. You will find engineers on the mound erecting small mountains which they will use as a starting point, just as you find in the batter's box.

Also, what about a pitcher who decides she is going to dig a hole in that area to provide her that support? Can she dig a hole in the middle of the pitcher's circle? And what if that hole interferes with the run-and-throw style of the other pitcher?

Then she can fill it in as they presently do.

A reason to adopt a rule should never be making life easier for the umpire, however. It should always be about the game and the players.

Adopting this rule for this reason (making it easier for the umpire) is tantamount to conceding that there is an epidemic of non-standard enforcement in this area.

Is that true? Is there evidence of this?

Of course, it is and you should know that from reading this board. At certain levels, tournaments, showcases, leagues, etc. umpires are often directed in what may be allowable, what will not be called and what should be ignored. OTOH, the umpires are also directed in certain things for which they should be on the look-out and call a certain violation tight while letting another go. Do I agree with it? Not necessarily, but it is their game, not mine. There are quite a few umpires on this board that work NCAA, the pro game, the upper levels of men and women FP along that will tell you there are allowances made as directed or you will not be working that game for very long. As I said, it is their game, no the umpires'.

It improves the game for the players as well as the umpires and coaches is that it allows all to concentrate on other aspects of the game. It reduces the constant claims by coaches that the other team's pitcher is illegal as hell while their little darling couldn't possible be leapin in spite of the fact you saw the same move during the HS production of Swan Lake last week. The game can do nothing, but improve if the umpires do not need to be in a certain place to observe the pitcher. Many have seen the advantages of moving the BU into the B in SP and have asked why this hasn't been done in FP. Right now, the only reason being given for keeping the 1B umpire on the line is the IP.

This means the coaches go back to coaching their own players, the players deal with the things they need to do to make the plays and the umpires are given more leeway to be in a position to watch the plays.