I just got home from a game that took 2 hours 5 minutes. Probabaly a slightly higher number of walks than average, lots of 3-2 counts and a good dollop of errors that kept innings alive. But the kids hustled in and out between innings, they kept me supplied with baseballs, the coaches were quick about making substitutions and I counted warm-up pitches like a hawk. With warm weather and sunny skies it was an altogether pleasant afternoon at the ballpark!
Earlier this week, I did a 3 hour game that was called for darkness after only 3 innings had been played! One of the sloppiest games I can ever recall, filled with walks (yes, I was being generous with my strike zone) and error after error after error on routine plays. If the sun hadn't set, we might still be there!
So, I guess that it balances out. My game management was the same for both games- the difference was in the quality of play displayed by the teams.
This is a good subject and it brings to mind two things.
The first is that I always find it odd that baseball umpires go all winter chomping at the bit, anticipating spring and itching for the games to start. Then, when they finally start, they start looking for ways to make them end more quickly!
The other is...does anybody here even remember the 1960's sitcom "It's About Time"?
