3 ft running lane

[RKBUmp]

I still say its a stupid play to throw to 1st base to try and keep a walked batter from advancing to 2nd with a runner on 3rd. Pretty easy to beat this supposed play, throwing to first never activates the lookback rule so the runner at 3rd can stay off the base as long as they want, and the ball is 40' further away from them than it would be if the pitcher had it. Ya, you may have thrown to F3 at 1st, but if I was the offensive coach I would simply have my walked batter overrun 1st base down the line a little and then make a wide arc toward 2nd base. The lookback rule isn't in force because F3 has the ball, and now F3 has to decide to chase after the batter/runner made a wide turn to 2nd and let the runner on 3rd advance home, throw to 2nd to try and play on the batter/runner advancing and let the runner on 3rd advance home, or simply let the batter/runner advance to 2nd uncontested and keep the runner at 3rd.

[chapmaja]

Originally Posted by RKBUmp

I still say its a stupid play to throw to 1st base to try and keep a walked batter from advancing to 2nd with a runner on 3rd. Pretty easy to beat this supposed play, throwing to first never activates the lookback rule so the runner at 3rd can stay off the base as long as they want, and the ball is 40' further away from them than it would be if the pitcher had it. Ya, you may have thrown to F3 at 1st, but if I was the offensive coach I would simply have my walked batter overrun 1st base down the line a little and then make a wide arc toward 2nd base. The lookback rule isn't in force because F3 has the ball, and now F3 has to decide to chase after the batter/runner made a wide turn to 2nd and let the runner on 3rd advance home, throw to 2nd to try and play on the batter/runner advancing and let the runner on 3rd advance home, or simply let the batter/runner advance to 2nd uncontested and keep the runner at 3rd.

I saw the throw to first work a couple times in the same game. (The reason one team was part of a top HS program in the state and the other was part of a program that rarely wins any games).

First was a runner on third and on ball 3 they throw down to first. Runner from third takes off home and is nailed at the plate.

Second time was a couple innings later and happened on ball 4. Same result, out at the plate, but that play they also got the out at second when the BR after reaching first tried going to second and was thrown out for the double play. Strangest double play I've seen.

[CecilOne]

Originally Posted by AtlUmpSteve

Can I just challenge your math?

1st base 60' from home, pitching plate 43' from home, front of circle 35' from home.

Where have you been?

[AtlUmpSteve]

Well, I moved about a year ago, and that move and associated chores and tasks took up huge amounts of time.

Then, my good friend who was a college coordinator (I was his backup and administrator/treasurer) relapsed with cancer over the summer, and ultimately passed away. I thought I was busy until then, but adding the coordinating/scheduling, AND administrative tasks with 55 collegiate institutions (along with my high school and rec association) rarely leaves me time to do more than monitor these boards once a month, or so.

Just so happened to have a minute today, and some topics that created an urge to post.

[teebob21]

Welcome back, Steve.

[Tru_in_Blu]

Yes, welcome back Steve!

I've missed your insightful and educational posts.

Hope you'll be able to carve out a little time for this forum.

[IRISHMAFIA]

Originally Posted by AtlUmpSteve View Post
Can I just challenge your math?

1st base 60' from home, pitching plate 43' from home, front of circle 35' from home.

Agree.

I have always argued that the pitcher should always get the ball since she is the closest to all bases and active runners.

[chapmaja]

Originally Posted by IRISHMAFIA

Originally Posted by AtlUmpSteve View Post
Can I just challenge your math?

1st base 60' from home, pitching plate 43' from home, front of circle 35' from home.

Agree.

I have always argued that the pitcher should always get the ball since she is the closest to all bases and active runners.

If the pitcher gets the ball it defeats the purpose of the defense throwing to first base, which is often to draw the offense into trying a delayed steal of home plate.