Strike mat

[Big Slick]

Originally Posted by Tru_in_Blu

I searched but didn't find much except proposed rule changes.

One of our men's slow pitch league will be having a 1 week trial run with a strike mat. I don't suppose that's such a big deal.

I think the bigger deal is that they still want a ball that hits the plate to be called a ball. I find this to be counter-productive. Don't leagues that use the mat typically have anything that hits the combination of plate/mat called as a strike [assuming height requirements are met]?

I'd say they are looking for more consistency in how our guys are calling pitches, particularly deep balls.

I still think the slow pitch strike zone is just the goofiest thing... Hit the dang ball, Bubba!

Look at the rules for senior slow pitch as the mat is used in that division.

[IRISHMAFIA]

Originally Posted by Tru_in_Blu

I searched but didn't find much except proposed rule changes.

One of our men's slow pitch league will be having a 1 week trial run with a strike mat. I don't suppose that's such a big deal.

I think the bigger deal is that they still want a ball that hits the plate to be called a ball. I find this to be counter-productive. Don't leagues that use the mat typically have anything that hits the combination of plate/mat called as a strike [assuming height requirements are met]?

I'd say they are looking for more consistency in how our guys are calling pitches, particularly deep balls.

I still think the slow pitch strike zone is just the goofiest thing... Hit the dang ball, Bubba!

Possible issues - Strike zone for 5' player same as that for a 6'4" player
Great pitch comes across the plate, you call it a strike and it misses the mat.
Guarantee you will lose more strikes, legitimate strikes than is worth the mat.

[KJUmp]

Originally Posted by IRISHMAFIA

Guarantee you will lose more strikes, legitimate strikes than is worth the mat.

Because of the pitcher trying to aim for the mat?

[IRISHMAFIA]

Originally Posted by KJUmp

Because of the pitcher trying to aim for the mat?

No, because the mat does not properly reflect the strike zone

[KJUmp]

Originally Posted by IRISHMAFIA

No, because the mat does not properly reflect the strike zone

Meaning the shoulder to knee strike zone the pitcher would be pitching to in a game played without the strike mat?

[IRISHMAFIA]

Originally Posted by KJUmp

Meaning the shoulder to knee strike zone the pitcher would be pitching to in a game played without the strike mat?

Yep. Nothing as depressing as a nice 7' pitch crossing the batter's belt buckle standing at the plate only to be a ball because it didn't hit the mat.

[Andy]

Originally Posted by Tru_in_Blu

I searched but didn't find much except proposed rule changes.

One of our men's slow pitch league will be having a 1 week trial run with a strike mat. I don't suppose that's such a big deal.

I think the bigger deal is that they still want a ball that hits the plate to be called a ball. I find this to be counter-productive. Don't leagues that use the mat typically have anything that hits the combination of plate/mat called as a strike [assuming height requirements are met]?

I'd say they are looking for more consistency in how our guys are calling pitches, particularly deep balls.

I still think the slow pitch strike zone is just the goofiest thing... Hit the dang ball, Bubba!

All of the SP leagues that I have worked call a strike if the ball hits the plate or the mat.

I agree with KJ....easiest games to call, but can certainly lead to lazy umpiring.