Strike mat

[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.