Rules Question

[rcaverly]

Originally Posted by dketter

I am coaching a 4th grade baseball team, we are playing MLB rules other than the fact that the whole team bats.

I would hazard a guess that there are more exceptions to the rules than simply “the whole team bats.” If not, then shame on the league for not using common sense, the coaches for not insisting on the use of common sense and the parents for being so senselessly gullible.

Originally Posted by dketter

I am coaching a 4th grade baseball team…thank you,
Dave

No, thank you, Dave. Your efforts will be rewarded. Prep your charges for high school ball, commonly a step towards MLB.

Originally Posted by cookie

(Some might even argue that just leaving the baseline heading toward the dugout constitutes abandonment of the base.)

Yes, we would.

Originally Posted by cookie

I guess another consideration here is that this is a game between 10 yr olds (4th graders?), so some developmental instruction/leeway might be in order...

Cookie makes a good point: Dave, try your best to keep it all in perspective. Going undefeated at the age of ten is less important than teaching ten year-olds to listen to their base coaches, if indeed the base coaches knew there were less than three outs.

Winning on an appeal is like kissing your sister.

[MikeStrybel]

We are talking about 10 year old kids here. Dave wrote that they were all fooled into believing three outs occured. If the coaches and adults all were confused, penalizing Junior for wandering when told is rough. I coach the same level and mistakes happen - usually on the part of the kids. I understand it is a lesson but if the coaches and umpires are complicit, the penalty (an out on the runner for abandoning) is inappropriate. Pro rules should be used where pro umpires are in place.

Enjoy the experience, Dave. You'll learn more about life and baseball through their eyes.

[yawetag]

Originally Posted by rcaverly

I would hazard a guess that there are more exceptions to the rules than simply “the whole team bats.” If not, then shame on the league for not using common sense, the coaches for not insisting on the use of common sense and the parents for being so senselessly gullible.

I guess they're all using wood bats, too.