Ball rotation

[IRISHMAFIA]

Originally Posted by Andy

The most obvious reason is to prevent a doctored or non-legal ball from being introduced into the game. The second reason is to keep the game moving.

If a ball goes out of play and a ball is returned from out of play directly to the pitcher, there is the possibility that it is not a legal ball in some way. If all new ball put in the game go through the umpire, there is a chance to inspect the ball to make sure it's legal.

Also, at some of the fields I work, if I had to wait for a ball to come back in from out of play before we could resume the game, it would add about an hour to my game times!

This is a serious issue in the SP game. The "hit your own" BS is just that. The teams replace the balls they use, but they come through me, into the bag. When I need one, whichever one comes out goes into the game. It cannot be fairer than that.