Quote:
Originally posted by Steve M
I agree with Bob & the rest. When you've got a "game ending" condition, the game is over - period. The times I have run into teams wanting to continue, I have reminded them that the game is officially over and their insurance may not be in effect if they continue.
Steve M
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Story time.
A couple of years ago, I'm BU in a "D" (actually lower) level game. One team is completely dominating the other and is up by 13 in the top of the 5th inning. R1 on 1B, ball hit to the shortstop and F4 turns and walks into RF. F6 just stand there with the ball. Next ball goes to F1 who turns around and throws it to the fence in dead center.
Well, now I've caught on to what they are doing. They figure they are in total control and want another at bat. I stop the game and talk to the manager (who happens to be the pitcher). I tell him I'm on to the shenanigans and the next misplay I judge intentional, I will forfeit the game to their opponent. That's when he fessed up and admitted they just want another at bat.
Much to my pleasure, they couldn't get any runs in the bottom of the 5th. They're opponent put a few more runs on the board in the top of the 6th and the superstars faltered again in the bottom half.
Well, the rain started. No thunder, no lightning, just rain. The weaker team came to within 3 runs and loaded the bases with no outs in the top of the 7th. That is when the superstars started whining about the rain. After the next batter blooped one into short RF, the manager/pitcher turned to me and told me the rain was affecting the game and that I
HAD to stop the game.
I told him in a voice loud enough for his entire infield to hear that lightning would have to strike 2B before I stop THIS game. I then reiterated my threat concerning intentional misplays should he decide to attempt to prolong the game long enough to force our hand and stop the game.
They lost the lead, but one the game in the bottom of the 7th because the LF slipped on the wet grass and couldn't make a catch.
I see that guy every now and then. He gives me a dirty look, but I guarantee that he now plays to win as early as possible.
Softball is just like a boxing match. If you don't KO your opponent when you have the opportunity, you don't deserve to win.