Too many pitches

[PtotheB]

Originally Posted by BretMan

Why do you deviate from the actual rule as it is written? Is that just something you came up with on your own, because you think it's better that way, or have you been instructed to do this? The rules say they get five warm-up throws and, for that reason alone, I tend to let them take five (still subject to the one-minute time allowed).

Have you ever timed how long it takes from the third out to when both teams are ready to play? Even with three pitches it usually takes longer than a minute. If your teams can consitently get five pitches in under the one minute time limit then I'm very impressed.

[MD Longhorn]

Originally Posted by PtotheB

Have you ever timed how long it takes from the third out to when both teams are ready to play? Even with three pitches it usually takes longer than a minute. If your teams can consitently get five pitches in under the one minute time limit then I'm very impressed.

Fair point ... but then why 3 pitches? They get 60 seconds, or they get 5 pitches, whatever comes first. If that means they get zero pitches then they get zero pitches. Giving them 3 just because you think they don't have time for 5 is kind of silly. Give them 60 seconds. However many that makes.

One note - we used to have a problem in our area with one team, and no one would address it. So I did. After 2 innings of zero pitches, they got their 5 every inning of every game after that (at least the ones I worked, which was the majority).

[BretMan]

Originally Posted by PtotheB

Have you ever timed how long it takes from the third out to when both teams are ready to play? Even with three pitches it usually takes longer than a minute. If your teams can consitently get five pitches in under the one minute time limit then I'm very impressed.

Sorry if I sound confused...but I am. Your first post didn't mention anything about the one-minute rule. You just said that after the first inning you give them "three at the most" warm-up throws.

If you think that five warm-up pitches can't be thrown in one minute, why do you allow five in the first inning? Is there something special about the first inning where you would want to not enforce the one-minute time limit, then crack down with a vengance for the next six innings?

[Dakota]

Originally Posted by BretMan

Sorry if I sound confused...but I am. Your first post didn't mention anything about the one-minute rule. You just said that after the first inning you give them "three at the most" warm-up throws.

If you think that five warm-up pitches can't be thrown in one minute, why do you allow five in the first inning? Is there something special about the first inning where you would want to not enforce the one-minute time limit, then crack down with a vengance for the next six innings?

The biggest delay in the top of the first inning is getting the home team on the field after the plate meeting. But just a point... when do YOU start the 1 minute time in the top of the first?

Also, I tend to give a team a bit of "grace" on the time if the catcher was at bat or on the bases at the end of the inning. And, in general, I only actually "time" the one minute if lollygagging is a problem. I don't monitor whether they take 50 seconds or 90 seconds; but several minutes? I'll cut them short on pitches, and then monitor more closely for the rest of the game.

I will say that excessive time is not a big deal with our leagues that do have the 3 pitch local rule. It does tend to keep things moving.

[Mark T. DeNucci, Sr.]

Originally Posted by PtotheB

Have you ever timed how long it takes from the third out to when both teams are ready to play? Even with three pitches it usually takes longer than a minute. If your teams can consitently get five pitches in under the one minute time limit then I'm very impressed.

It is extremely easy for a team to get five warm-up pitches in the time allowed. Remind the coaches to have their teams hustle on and off the field and get somebody out to warm up the pitcher. I tell the each catcher the first time they come out to warm-up the pitcher: You have one minute from the very instant your team makes its third out for your pitcher to get five warm-up pitches and you will not get one second more. Guess what? It works.

MTD, Sr.

P.S. And yes, I have enforced the one minute rule and you would be suprised how quick players and coaches get the messaage. One time the Visitors got only one warm-up pitch at the start of the bottom of the first inning, the HC was not happy but they got the message.

[Dakota]

Originally Posted by Mark T. DeNucci, Sr.

...and you will not get one second more...

Really? One second? What do you do... take out your watch?

[Mark T. DeNucci, Sr.]

Originally Posted by Dakota

Really? One second? What do you do... take out your watch?

I have been a basketball official for forty years, I am pretty good with a ten second count and have become fairly proficient and keeping track about how long one minute is. Mind you that is the only time I have shut down a team after only one warm-up pitch. Usually the one minute hits when they have finished just three warm-up pitches and I usually have this problem only a couple of times a year. The real problem is not the players but the HCes who want to have a team meeting after they have just made their third out.

MTD, Sr.