Little League rule-head first slide

[kylejt]

Let me answer the next question

"You mean to tell me if a kid gets one foot from home plate, then turns around, runs 59 feet back to third, and dives in head first, that's okay?"

Yup.

"That makes no sense"

Yup.

[OrlandoDad]

I think the rule is stupid. I have been involved in baseball all my life as a player and coach and I have seen a LOT of injuries from feet first slides and some from head first.

I think it is the coach's job.

I have not been around Little League since I played it nearly 40 years ago. I think that 12 year olds playing on a 60' bases with no leadoffs is remarkably stupid, as well.

[kylejt]

Yikes!

I've been working at my local LL park for the last 17 years. Some rules are dopey, but most are based around an average kid playing the game.

The trouble is, of course, no parent thinks they have an average kid. Thus, the stupid rules about wearing helmets, throat protectors, no big barrel bats or metal cleats, no bowling over the catcher, etc.

I remember Mickey Mantle's roommate on the Yankees telling me how stupid it was that players slid in fingers first to a base, as he crushed many a digit playing second. But what did he know?

I know, it's not real baseball. But real baseball is played with wooded bats, 90 foot basepaths, with metal cleats, and full contact at the plate. Everything else is played with age, size and skill level taken into consideration.

[Steven Tyler]

Originally Posted by kylejt

I remember Mickey Mantle's roommate on the Yankees telling me how stupid it was that players slid in fingers first to a base, as he crushed many a digit playing second. But what did he know?

I don't think Billy Martin was ever Mickey's room mate. Just a big drinking buddy. Why they traded him to Kansas City.

On a side note, Martin was probably more approachable when he was drunk, than not. Hard to talk to somebody with a chronic hangover, and a sociopathic personality.

I played some adult ball with his son, Billy, Jr. for a couple of years. He dished a little of the dirt on dad a few times. Nothing to write home about.

I've also gotten some umpire musings of Billy from a few old AL umpires. Those storys are worse.

[Rita C]

Originally Posted by kylejt

Yikes!

I've been working at my local LL park for the last 17 years. Some rules are dopey, but most are based around an average kid playing the game.

The trouble is, of course, no parent thinks they have an average kid. Thus, the stupid rules about wearing helmets, throat protectors, no big barrel bats or metal cleats, no bowling over the catcher, etc.

I remember Mickey Mantle's roommate on the Yankees telling me how stupid it was that players slid in fingers first to a base, as he crushed many a digit playing second. But what did he know?

I know, it's not real baseball. But real baseball is played with wooded bats, 90 foot basepaths, with metal cleats, and full contact at the plate. Everything else is played with age, size and skill level taken into consideration.

Very well put.


Rita

[kylejt]

Thanks, Rita.

BTW, the roommate of Mickey's I was referring to is Jerry Coleman. He's still a radio announcer for the Padres, and still an opponent of the head first slide. His biggest complaint is that you can't get up quickly, and get to the next base when you're flat on your stomach. That, and he got to squash a lot of fingers playing F4 in the Bronx. To him, the risk was not worth the benefit, if there were any to begin with. And that's always been debatable.

[johnnyg08]

I liked to slide head first because I would get raspberries on my a$$ so instead I took my scabs to my arms...I hardly never had an opportunity to advance after a head first slide, so me to not slide head first because I might not be able to get up and advance was not something I considered because the chances were very, very slim of a ball going through far enough in the first place. YMMV. I realize that this is a LL thread so it's more of a safety rule for the kids which is something I support.

[Rich]

Originally Posted by OrlandoDad

I think the rule is stupid. I have been involved in baseball all my life as a player and coach and I have seen a LOT of injuries from feet first slides and some from head first.

I think it is the coach's job.

I have not been around Little League since I played it nearly 40 years ago. I think that 12 year olds playing on a 60' bases with no leadoffs is remarkably stupid, as well.

So you think it's better that a walk is essentially a triple?

[OrlandoDad]

Rich,

My kid is 12 and a pretty good player but not a phenom at all.

He played catcher last year on a team(with 70' bases and leadoffs) and threw some kids out at second base. He threw a lot of kids out at third. Base on Balls were not triples against us.

If it is rec ball, I guess I could see them using the softball rule of staying on the base until the pitcher lets go of the ball....but no running until the ball gets home? That seems weird. I have not seen it in person so, I am going to see it this year because Little League is what is here.

Our only other option that I could find was the teams playing a tournament every single weekend. I think that is too much for a kid this age and I simply do not have that kind of money, either.

Joe

[johnnyg08]

Play by the rules now sir. At this age, it really doesn't matter. Really, it doesn't.

He has the rest of his life to learn a head first slide.

Every kid in the country who plays this level, even the ones way better than your son abide by the same rule set at this type of ball. If all you're concerned about is the slide rule then you should be in for a very fun year. Enjoy it for what it is, they grow up too fast.

[justanotherblue]

Originally Posted by RichMSN

So you think it's better that a walk is essentially a triple?

On 60' base's yes, however on 70' base's you have a game again. As far as I know, LL is the only league still playing 60' base's only, while every other league, PONY, Dixie, Cal Ripken, USSSA, AABC all allow/play 70' base's with leading off and stealing. I've heard LL is looking at expanding to the 70' base path, they just need to take the plunge and do it. It's a better game overall.

[jicecone]

Just remember, if everything about baseball was perfect at every level, we wouldn't need this forum.

THE MOST IMPORTANT THING TO TEACH YOUTH TODAY:

Enjoy what you do, play hard and fair and always respect the rules and your opponents.

We all ready have way too many whinners in sports as it is.

[Rich Ives]

Originally Posted by justanotherblue

On 60' base's yes, however on 70' base's you have a game again. As far as I know, LL is the only league still playing 60' base's only, while every other league, PONY, Dixie, Cal Ripken, USSSA, AABC all allow/play 70' base's with leading off and stealing. I've heard LL is looking at expanding to the 70' base path, they just need to take the plunge and do it. It's a better game overall.

LL has had a 70' trial for a couple of years now. From what I've gathered from around the web not many leagues are even trying it. I know none in our area are, not even the independents.

[RPatrino]

Pony baseball has been around for a very long time, and Little League obviously doesn't see it as a threat to their program, or they would have changed their rules to allow a more 'realistic' baseball experience.

[PeteBooth]

You nailed it, however, I would reword you sentence as follows.

Pony baseball has been around for a very long time, and Little League obviously doesn't see it as a threat to their program, Substitute the word SHOW for program

LL has their "show" televisd on ESPN and ABC. Until the ratings are effected no changes will be made.

IMO, Ripken has a "shot" because of the name but LL still has a good contract with ESPN / ABC.

IMO, without the "show" LL would be real down in numbers and be forced to change to compete.

Pete Booth