Live games and Base on Balls

[We Want The Cup]

I want to go to a live game, but I am not going to walk to first base. There should be an option to just renew the atbat instead of taking first base on a walk.

[retep]

I agree... while i wouldn't use such a rule myself, walks are boring. Someone should be able to want to swing the bat.

[Baseball=Life]

Don't worry, I know it seems like there's been frequent live games lately (bringing up issues like walks), but that's because I was making up for some old missed games. The live games will go to the normal once per month in Season 3, starting Jan 2006.

[retep]

The walks are an issue... let's think about it.

[Baseball=Life]

If we had to make a rule change we'd want to start with something as minor as possible, ie all batters begin their at-bat with an 0-1 count (0 balls, 1 strike). Then pitchers would be forced to pitch to, instead of away from, contact. Again, if we had to we'd start small with something like that.

[TheLegend]

i don't like the idea of only giving batters 2 strikes, I would much prefer to allow the pitcher up to five balls if walks become a problem.

The thing about starting with one strike is that the batter only gets one chance to swing aggressively, and god forbid they miss a good pitch to start the at bat... all of a sudden they're in an 0-2 hole? rough.

I think if we started at bats with an 0-1 count then the pitchers would concentrate on getting that first pitch strike and then throw just as much junk (if not more) as always after that.

[TheLegend]

i also think with a dedicated ump, it'll be easier to expand the strike zone (if neccisary) equally for both teams. I'd say give the pitcher 2 or 3 inches in width (on both sides of the plate, so an extra 6" total) and 1" (a.k.a 2") vertically.

Just remember that it's MUCH harder to get good wood on a pitch slightly below your knees than on one that's slightly outside.

[Baseball=Life]

I agree with Ken's remarks about starting an at-bat with an 0-1 count. Going to 5 balls for a BB seems like a better idea. And, absolutely, if we had a dedicated ump it would have the impacts you mentioned, which would speed up the game.

NOTE: Despite this thread, there will be no immediate change. It was only 1 month ago that we had an amazing live game that went ideally, and this was under the status quo conditions. I plan to wait another, possibly two more, live games to determine whether or not change is actually necessary. Check the 10/02 boxscore...... someone please tell me why that game went so well? (Not a sarcastic question - in these Gen X days you never know - I actually can't figure out why that game went so well while others didn't come close to it.

http://www.geocities.com/leathersscott/ ... _live.html

[We Want The Cup]

Well I do not really want to waste my time by taking pitches and walking to first base. I understand SOMETIMES there are games where the pitchers can get the ball over the plate, but that seems really rare... I am not really willing to give up a sunday to walk around the bases. Not that any of you really care about what I want, lol. But it seems to me like if someone WANTS to pass up the base on balls, they should be allowed to. What is wrong with it? I would rather strike out than walk in a pickup baseball game.

Starting with 1 strike is not good, but I would definitely like adding 1 or 2 balls to get a walk.

I dunno it was just a thought. I want to do a live game, but it sounds kind of lame, besides that one 10-2 game.

[tallguy]

My strike zone will be expanded slightly this Sunday, and as always I will be interpreting the rules literally regarding high strikes. In MLB they rarely give strikes at the letters, even though they should.
Plus, if the hitter is on a 2-0 or 3-0 count, I will give a close pitch that might not be called a strike otherwise. Also, Ken is right that wide pitches are easier to reach than low, so I will be strict at the knees.
Since I will be behind the dish all day, I can apply this as consistently as possible.

[Baseball=Life]

If inclined, you can get a cheap umpire ballbag (< $10) for the extra balls at a sporting goods store. You know, the kind that attaches to your belt. It's a nice touch, and talk about keeping the game moving along! It really helps for that.

I regret that I'll miss the debut of the full-game umpire concept this Sunday.

Does anyone think it's necessary for me to try to increase turnout for this Sunday with a CraigList post?

Recent Turnout History:

10/30 - LIVE - 16 people - Curt Flood
10/23 - LIVE - 20 people - Curt Flood
10/02 - LIVE - 20 people - Curt Flood

[tallguy]

I think it would be a very good idea. Since you, myself and whoever is field ump will not be on the lineups, we are confirmed short of three regulars.

[mp1045]

For what it's worth

Michael P.

[Baseball=Life]

CraigsList Post is up!


Everyone, don't forget to check which field to go to Sunday morning! Check the website at 9:30 AM!

I'll be in LA so I won't be able to update people via phone, etc. Only the website will be able to tell you whether to go to Curt Flood (as scheduled) or to go to Golden Gate (the backup field).


Check the site 9:30 AM Sunday morning!

[the wolf]

How about this?

If a batter is "walked" the player who made the last batted out goes to first base as the runner and the "walked" batter stays at the plate for a new count/at bat.

This penalizes the defensive team and pitcher and does not rob the battte. If he is "walked" the second time he must go to first.

You could do the five ball system in this plan giving everyone a better chance to hit.