MLB weather rules

[chapmaja]

What rules does MLB use when determining to delay or end a game. I'm watching the Tigers-LAA game and there was huge lightening bolt in the background they played on. At any other level I know of this game would be delayed or ended (14-6 in the 9th) and everyone would be cleared. In college, high school, rec ball and everything else, this would not be allowed, why is MLB so different?

[briancurtin]

This doesn't exactly answer the question, but maybe it does: Kids playing baseball with aluminum bats out in an open field is slightly different than anything going on in a stadium in an urban setting where the opponents travelled 2,300 miles to get there.

Also, typical park district liability and ThorGuard.

[johnnyg08]

The MLB crews likely have the assistance of professional meteorologists to help them make decisions. We simply err on the side of safety every time.

[EsqUmp]

Originally Posted by briancurtin

This doesn't exactly answer the question, but maybe it does: Kids playing baseball with aluminum bats out in an open field is slightly different than anything going on in a stadium in an urban setting where the opponents travelled 2,300 miles to get there.

Also, typical park district liability and ThorGuard.

Umm, you think that an aluminum bat is a greater conductor than the 100 light posts, score boards, monitors, etc. with miles and miles of wires running under the stadium?

[MD Longhorn]

Originally Posted by EsqUmp

Umm, you think that an aluminum bat is a greater conductor than the 100 light posts, score boards, monitors, etc. with miles and miles of wires running under the stadium?

A) He didn't say that...

B) You didn't read the entire post.

I've played football games with lightning in the sky when I would never have continued a baseball or softball game - solely due to information from Thorguard, which would not have been present at your typical baseball game.

[bob jenkins]

Originally Posted by MD Longhorn

A) He didn't say that...

B) You didn't read the entire post.

I've played football games with lightning in the sky when I would never have continued a baseball or softball game - solely due to information from Thorguard, which would not have been present at your typical baseball game.

Even with Thorguard (and similar), if I see or hear lightning I stop the baseball game. If the alarm goes off, I stop the game (even if I dont' see / hear the lightning). Either one is sufficient.

[MD Longhorn]

Originally Posted by bob jenkins

Even with Thorguard (and similar), if I see or hear lightning I stop the baseball game. If the alarm goes off, I stop the game (even if I dont' see / hear the lightning). Either one is sufficient.

You can hear lightning? Amazing!!!

You can see lightning that's 30 miles away.

[Rich Ives]

Originally Posted by EsqUmp

Umm, you think that an aluminum bat is a greater conductor than the 100 light posts, score boards, monitors, etc. with miles and miles of wires running under the stadium?

Nope - but no one is holding the light posts. And they're grounded and prepared for a strike.

[DG]

Originally Posted by Rich Ives

Nope - but no one is holding the light posts. And they're grounded and prepared for a strike.

Grounding a light post means nothing for lightning safety. If you are touching, or near when lighting strikes you are subject to injury or death. Thus fences are bad to be near as well, if in the dugout with a fence in front during a delay, stay away from the fence.

[Manny A]

Originally Posted by chapmaja

What rules does MLB use when determining to delay or end a game. I'm watching the Tigers-LAA game and there was huge lightening bolt in the background they played on. At any other level I know of this game would be delayed or ended (14-6 in the 9th) and everyone would be cleared. In college, high school, rec ball and everything else, this would not be allowed, why is MLB so different?

Here's a blog report from a meteorologist who is loosely affiliated with the Minnesota Twins. From what he writes, the policy boils down to leaving it up to the umpires to decide when to suspend play. He provides suggestions on how that should change, based upon an incident last year in Texas.

Why Major League Baseball needs to update severe weather policy | Updraft | Minnesota Public Radio News

[umpjim]

Originally Posted by Manny A

Here's a blog report from a meteorologist who is loosely affiliated with the Minnesota Twins. From what he writes, the policy boils down to leaving it up to the umpires to decide when to suspend play. He provides suggestions on how that should change, based upon an incident last year in Texas.

Why Major League Baseball needs to update severe weather policy | Updraft | Minnesota Public Radio News

Are you gonna send the whole stadium to their cars. Even when we suspend games and announce to go to cover in HS we still have most people milling around and seated in the stands, unless the rain forces them to move. Difficult dilemma.

[UMP25]

Anyone stupid enough to be still sitting in the stands while lightning is nearby deserves to be zapped.

[umpjim]

Originally Posted by UMP25

Anyone stupid enough to be still sitting in the stands while lightning is nearby deserves to be zapped.

Does that include everybody at the Rangers game?

[UMP25]

Yes, but for a different reason--they're Rangers fans.

[Manny A]

Originally Posted by umpjim

Are you gonna send the whole stadium to their cars. Even when we suspend games and announce to go to cover in HS we still have most people milling around and seated in the stands, unless the rain forces them to move. Difficult dilemma.

At a pro game, I would think the PA would advise fans to seek shelter inside the stadium concession areas or whatever else is available away from the open seats.

That said, how much responsibility does the home team have for the fans anyway? They take reasonable precautions to prevent fans from falling down the stairs, getting hit by batted balls during pre-game BP, etc., etc. But making them vacate their seats during a storm? Really? An announcement to seek shelter is enough, IMO. If they want to be stupid and stay out there, that's on them.