LL Mandatory Play

[aceholleran]

Just chiming in here.

Mistake by VT coach is inexcusable. This was probably the 15th or 20th post-season game this team had played. In my experience, scorers and/or umps make sure that teams have gotten all their subs in. I do believe (don't have it with me) that avoiding this type of forfeit was mentioned by W-port in a point of emphasis.

That notwithstanding, I think the rule absolutely bites the big one.

Why?

* It deprives thousands of kids worldwide from playing LL tourney (most teams are carrying less than the 14 max. players to reduce subbing; in my area, IMHO, a scant number of teams have carried 14 since MPU rule came into play).
* It takes coaching out of the game. Got that little junkball reliever? Now he's gotta bat and play 3 outs in the field! Can't tell you how many coaches have complained to me about this (and for once, they're right). No pinch-runner, or one of my favorite ploys, the Eddie Gaedel designated walker.
* Little Johnny had all regular season with MPR. Why not let kids who worked hard to make tourney teams play something more similar to actual baseball?
* I saw an invocation of "other coach calls the sub" this year when a kid got hurt. This is baseball?

I could go on.