Too Dark?

[dash_riprock]

Some innings take less than 5 minutes, some take a half hour or more. I don't try to estimate if there is enough time left to complete an inning (or half-inning). I just end the game when it gets too dark, whenever that is, and whatever the consequences to either team (or me).

Announce "last inning" at the beginning of an inning, and you will be rewarded with 6 very quick outs and a lot of daylight left. Now it will get stormy. "Last batter" works much better for me.

[JugglingReferee]

What about a simple light level indicator? Light detection below a threshold is the official declaration of no more innings to start, or the game is called.

It seems to me that this would be the most consistent and fair approach. Use science.

[BigUmp56]

Originally Posted by JugglingReferee

What about a simple light level indicator? Light detection below a threshold is the official declaration of no more innings to start, or the game is called.

It seems to me that this would be the most consistent and fair approach. Use science.

Who would determine at what foot candle levels the game should be stopped?


Tim.

[mick]

Originally Posted by BigUmp56

Who would determine at what foot candle levels the game should be stopped?


Tim.

Appropriate foot-candles should only be determined by JEA.

[Adam]

Originally Posted by BigUmp56

Who would determine at what foot candle levels the game should be stopped?


Tim.

Whoever determines the rest of the rules should make this call.

[DG]

Originally Posted by tibear

My question, what criteria do you use to judge whether it is too dark to continue the game? Given this situation should I have asked for new baseballs to simply appease the visiting manager? Call the game? Or let the game continue as I did?

As you did, watch the players and if any are having problem seeing the ball, especially the batter, call it. Of course if you are having a problem seeing the ball call it. Situation sometimes plays into it. I called one about 15 years ago, we went into top of 7 with visiting team well behind. I figured we had enough light for them to get their at bat. They started a rally, scored 4-5 runs and were close to tying. Of course this took some time. Batter comes to the plate and after the first pitch he turns to me and says he can't see it. Game over.

Had a game early in the season that was 3-3 going into 7th. I expected we could play another inning with light we had but I made sure both coaches knew this was the last inning I expected we could play with light available. In case of a tie I wanted them to know we were not playing further. By the bottom of the 7th I was a bit anxious because it had become dim by then but with 1 out and a runner on the batter saw it good enough to hit a 2 run walkoff.

Rain is also tough. Had one this year that started in a light rain. It off and on rained. Home team was leading after 4.5. In the bottom of the 5th pitcher came out for warmups and we called the game because his plant foot was slipping pretty good when he landed. If he can't plant he might throw a wild one, or hurt himself was our reasoning. No complaints from either side.

[waltjp]

Originally Posted by BigUmp56

Who would determine at what foot candle levels the game should be stopped?


Tim.

Professor Irwin Corey, of course. The World’s Foremost Authority.

[IceGator8]

To me it's simple. I watch the outfielders throw to each other in between innings. If I have even a slight problem seeing the ball out there then I end the game. How can I expect them to pick it up if I'm having problems.