Too many pitches

[PtotheB]

Originally Posted by PtotheB

I give the pitchers five pitches in the first inning after that it's three at the most unless I have a sub or something. They have one minute from the time of the last out to when I should be able to point the ball in play.

Second sentence, not too hard to find.
As far as a special significance to the first inning, no, just the way I was taught, accepted practice everywhere I've been and I've never been dinged on it during an evaluation or ever even been commented on by a partner but then again I've never had the distinct privelege of working with you so you could correct me.

[tcannizzo]

Speaking ASA Championship, as per ASA Code, game clock starts on the first pitch of the game; which is what is strictly being enforced in NQs.

In normal tournaments, I will start the clock as the coaches enter the team areas after the plate meeting, because I also want to have 1-minute in the top of the first.

As for getting 5 pitches in 60 seconds, that is not a problem, unless the P was late getting out of the dugout, or fixing a hair ribbon, etc.

If C is late getting out of dugout, coach better be warming up P. There have been times where P got zero warm-ups because C was late and no coach to take warm-ups. Other times it will either be 3 or 2 or 1 pitch. Don't ever recall giving 4.

If coach takes the 5th warm-up, C does not get a "throw down", it is Batter Up, although I usually mention to coach after 4 pitches that if he wants C to get a throw to wait, unless we go past the 60 seconds.

Then if Batter Up has been called an P is not ready to pitch in 10 seconds, it is Ball 1.

[ASA/NYSSOBLUE]

In my pregame, one of the few 'extra' things I mention is the one minute in between innings thing. As soon as the P/C are out there I establish right away that I am THERE. I take my pitch(es) from each side and NEVER wander more than 10 ft from HP in between. Our group still has a bunch who insist on coming in from their base positions to chat - after an inning or so they get the message, and don't do it.

When the P has reached 4, I GENTLY tell the C - 'next one' or 'going down' - depending on the comprehension level. Most of the time, except at the real low levels, they get the hint, and start doing it on their own. Gotta love when you a team where they C does it at pitch 2 on her own. No surprise those are usually the better teams.

If the C has been on base, and has to put her gear on, I make the point of asking the coach to warm the P up, PLEASE. If the C has NOT been on, and is taking her time, well....tough, and generally will cut the warm up short. Again, it is rare for them to pull that twice after that happening!

[IRISHMAFIA]

If they hustle, I allow exactly what the rule book demands, 3 every inning, first, last and each one in between. If they seem disinterested at any point, I call for the batter and step in to clean the plate. Don't care what they do then, but when a step around behind the plate, I call for the pitch (assuming the batter is in the box and prepared to hit) and if the pitcher isn't ready, it isn't long before it is a ball.

[AtlUmpSteve]

Originally Posted by IRISHMAFIA

If they hustle, I allow exactly what the rule book demands, 3 every inning, first, last and each one in between. If they seem disinterested at any point, I call for the batter and step in to clean the plate. Don't care what they do then, but when a step around behind the plate, I call for the pitch (assuming the batter is in the box and prepared to hit) and if the pitcher isn't ready, it isn't long before it is a ball.

Before anyone jumps on this. let us recognize that Mike is generally talking the slowpitch game, which allows just 3. In fastpitch, we know it is 5.

[CecilOne]

Speaking FP , 5 is the rule, 3 is making up one unless the tourney/league already did. One minute is the rule, but it seems it should have latitude as long as the players are keeping it moving, as we are allowed in cold weather.

Besides all that, I never tell a catcher to throw it down, just "one more" or "next pitch is last". The throw down is their choice, so not my liability. Same as saying they "can't play" with illegal jewelry, not "remove it".
Also not my job to call "balls in", etc. just "let's play" or "batter, please".

[IRISHMAFIA]

Originally Posted by AtlUmpSteve

Before anyone jumps on this. let us recognize that Mike is generally talking the slowpitch game, which allows just 3. In fastpitch, we know it is 5.

Did you decide that just before you go to bed, you were going to take away all my fun?

It should be noted that unless the pitcher and catcher are standing at the entrance to the dugout and hustle out onto the field immediately upon the umpire ruling the 3rd out on their team, most will never get in five warm-up pitches in 60 seconds.

I look at the one-minute limit as a game control device that you enforce when necessary, not be so strick that a pitcher barely gets any warm-up prior to the inning.

[Andy]

Originally Posted by IRISHMAFIA

..I look at the one-minute limit as a game control device that you enforce when necessary, not be so strick that a pitcher barely gets any warm-up prior to the inning.

Wow...common sense...what a concept....

[IRISHMAFIA]

Originally Posted by Andy

Wow...common sense...what a concept....

Sometimes I just can't help myself