On deck circle

[RPatrino]

This question has surfaced this summer in my area. The summer leagues around here are allowing batters to use the on deck circle on the side of the batter, so for a RH batter, they use the 3rd base on deck circle. They cite safety as the basis for allowing this. I don't happen to buy into that logic, but we allow them to alternate on-deck circles.

[jicecone]

Originally Posted by RPatrino

This question has surfaced this summer in my area. The summer leagues around here are allowing batters to use the on deck circle on the side of the batter, so for a RH batter, they use the 3rd base on deck circle. They cite safety as the basis for allowing this. I don't happen to buy into that logic, but we allow them to alternate on-deck circles.

When the kid gets hit because he is not paying attention in the batter circle the is in front of the batter and not behind him, then maybe you will. Most players do this specifically because it is safer but, what the heck do they know they are just kids.

[RPatrino]

In my close to 40 years of involvement in baseball I have never seen an injury from an on deck hitter getting hit. While I don't agree that this particular action is an obvious safety issue, I do believe in working to prevent injuries.

[jicecone]

Originally Posted by RPatrino

In my close to 40 years of involvement in baseball I have never seen an injury from an on deck hitter getting hit. While I don't agree that this particular action is an obvious safety issue, I do believe in working to prevent injuries.

Bob, the reason I think it is a good idea is just the oppoisite. In almost 30 years I have seen it happen twice. Luckly nothing serious but, it did happen.
Base coaches wearing helmets was never considered a big deal either until someone got injured.

Unless there is some obvious problem with interaction between teams, I will always allow this.

[DG]

Originally Posted by RPatrino

This question has surfaced this summer in my area. The summer leagues around here are allowing batters to use the on deck circle on the side of the batter, so for a RH batter, they use the 3rd base on deck circle. They cite safety as the basis for allowing this. I don't happen to buy into that logic, but we allow them to alternate on-deck circles.

Local League rule, go with the flow, if they allow it or require it.

[rbmartin]

The reason I asked was that I was doing a Ripken League game as a favor last week. I knew it had been common practice in this league to do this so I didn't object. The weather was VERY hot and a few times I had to hold up the game to allow the on-deck batter to safely get over to the on-deck circle on the other side of the field. This (coupled with other game-slowing behavior) was starting to irritate me since I am accustomed to High School ball that I have more control moving the game along more quickly.