when & why

[whiskers_ump]

Originally Posted by WestMichBlue

The DH was created in 1979, fast pitch only, and could not play defense. Also “re-entry” was created that year for starters only. A DH could not return, and a starting pitcher could not return to pitch.

By 1986 the EH (almost identical to DH) had been added to slow pitch; both now had re-entry rights.

In 1987 the DH was replaced by the DP which was as we know it today; can play defense, has re-entry, can be replaced by their defensive player (going from 10 to 9), etc. Also the EH in SP was replaced by the EP.

1993 the defensive player being batted for was named the DEFO and the rules for the interplay between the DP and DEFO are basically what they are today under the DP/FLEX.

In 2002 re-entry was expanded to include substitutes.

In 2004 the DEFO was renamed the FLEX following the NFHS decision to replace its DH with a copy of the DP/DEFO, except called the DP/FLEX.


The Historian (aka WMB)

U The Man.

[bluezebra]

When ASA adopted the DEFO, I attended a clinic at the Long Beach, CA, naval Station. The were five (5) clinicians from OK there to explain the new rule. None of the five could agree with anyone else, and they spent most of the session arguing with each other. Needless to say, us poor schlubs in the audience were TOTALLY confused.

That coming season, EVERY college coach told us at the pre-game when we asked if they were using a DEFO, "I don't understand it. I don't want to forfeit. I am not using one".

Bob