DEFO/DP/Flex explanation

[David Emerling]

Originally Posted by Steve M

David, Your opinions in the game of baseball are pretty solid and, rightfully, respected. That's a different game in a number of ways. Your opinions about the game of softball are looked at through the eyes of a baseball umpire. So, rightfully so, they are not worthy of a whole lot of respect. That's a big reason why I say very little anymore on the baseball side.

I'll accept that as fair criticism.

I'll admit, I have much more experience (as an umpire) with baseball than I do with softball.

But I've been around fastpitch softball for many years. I'll be the first to admit that I'm no expert. In fact, I learn more from discussions in this forum than almost anywhere else.

Consequently, I try to limit my softball commentary to those things that are either opinions or experience.

My criticism of the DP/FLEX rule is an opinion based on experience; partly my experience, but mostly observed experiences. Those who say that most of the people they know understand the rule very well are either 1) kidding themselves or 2) only calling very high level ball or 3) don't travel around enough to get a good sampling. Umpires who only call high level softball, over a period of time, become detached from the realities of the majority of the softball world.

I'm confident when I say that a majority of people who should know the rule well - don't.

It is a mistake to dismiss the message just because you don't like the messenger.

But, to be fair, you're right. I do not have the experience in softball that many of you do. That's why I try to limit myself to opinions and categorical facts. People are welcomed to disagree. And I fully expect some to disagree. I'm OK with that.

Heck, much of what I know about DP/FLEX comes from you! Which I've always found very informative.

David Emerling
Memphis, TN