Intent & Spirit of a Rule

[IRISHMAFIA]

Originally Posted by HugoTafurst

1) OK, I give up... What was the exact reason for proposing and passing the 1 an 1 count?
(Not that I do slow-pitch.... just curious)
..

Not that Steve's information was not interesting and accurate in its reasoning.

However, the true intent of the change was to encourage the players to put the ball into play. The more the ball is hit, there is an equally higher chance of a hit or an out. Neither side gains an advantage without the specific skill that the other doesn't. (i.e., better defense, better slugging percentage, etc.)

It is true that a game with mismatched teams may finish quicker because of a run-rule ending, but not because there are more outs. However, the better team will score more runs at a quicker pace because they are more likely to put the ball into play instead of waiting for that first strike. When there are equally matched teams, the games run about the same as before.

When forced to hit, the better teams will thrive. The teams with the great defenses will check the ones with the hitters. It seems to be a vicious circle, but that is part of competitive sports and on any given day.....