Plays at the Plate. . . Collisions at Home

[Southpaw Slim]

Wow. I just got back from Monterey, and this forum has taken off! I agree mostly with what Lincoln says: If you fail to clarify that you don't want to be bowled over, you're S.O.L. when the runner barrels down the basepath. I know that when I'm playing catcher, I like the prospect of preventing the runner from scoring ESPECIALLY if a collision might be involved.

The real problem is a situation like last week, where the runner (i.e. me) is truckin' home and forces the catcher to divert his attention from the play. The fact that the ball was dropped before I got there was the issue, since I was prepared to check Mike but couldn't react correctly to the dropped ball. I could have just as easily sidestepped him and run past (while still staying on the basepath, of course.)

I'd also like to thank everybody for your concern. I was limited for a couple of days, and unable to walk for a while after getting home from dinner post-collision. But now the inflammation has receded some and I'm only limping slightly. I still am unsure as to whether I'll be playing on Sunday, but I think it's best to intentionally sit out for the first time while still in Oakland.

[dtrizzle]

I stayed up late last night working on a paper so I can no longer be articulate. So basically here what I think:

No bitch shit! Nigga's get trucked.

Oh, and I heard somebody got lit up last week! DAMN

- Dorian

[BostonMike]

You missed a good game Dorian, two injuries in the 7th inning i think??? I'm not sure so don't quote me on that, and yea I got run over by Nick. Hey Nick glad to hear your ok.

[Baseball=Life]

==
-Full on "head-up" collisions are not allowed. If a runner flagrantly or neglectfully causes a collision where more than half of his body comes into contact with the defender the runner will be called out.

- In a situation where a collision is inevitable, the runner must run through one of the defenders shoulders (as opposed to running through his chest).
==

I think this would be tougher to gauge, ie what's 'half of his body'? And whom would make this subjective call? I'm not opposed to this idea, I think it needs some refinement. Down below I mention the indicators that would make making the call easier. How 'bout:

=============

-Full on "head-up" collisions are not allowed. Don't steamroll the catcher. Never flagrantly or neglectfully cause a collision when it is not necessary to jar the ball loose from the catcher. Collide correctly, as described below.

-You will be called out if you "lead with your elbows" by raising them as you collide, no matter what. If you use your hands, do NOT direct them toward the catchers face, or you are also out.

-The acceptable way to collide with the catcher is to use your upper torso to collide with ONE of their shoulders, but not both. If you cause the catcher to turn toward the side you impacted, you did it right. If instead they fly straight back, then you centered your impact and will be called out. Simply go for one side of the catcher, ie one of his shoulders.

===============

Note that this would be the case for all situations, ie there would be no specifying of contact rules by the catcher as mentioned in previous posts.

This is good because it preserves the runner's ability to jar the ball loose, yet protects both the runner & catcher from severe head-on impact.

[Southpaw Slim]

I think this proposed rule is the most agreeable yet. I can get behind that revision.

[TheLegend]

==
-Full on "head-up" collisions are not allowed. If a runner flagrantly or neglectfully causes a collision where more than half of his body comes into contact with the defender the runner will be called out.

- In a situation where a collision is inevitable, the runner must run through one of the defenders shoulders (as opposed to running through his chest).
==

I think this would be tougher to gauge, ie what's 'half of his body'? And whom would make this subjective call? I'm not opposed to this idea, I think it needs some refinement. Down below I mention the indicators that would make making the call easier. How 'bout:

=============

-Full on "head-up" collisions are not allowed. Don't steamroll the catcher. Never flagrantly or neglectfully cause a collision when it is not necessary to jar the ball loose from the catcher. Collide correctly, as described below.

-You will be called out if you "lead with your elbows" by raising them as you collide, no matter what. If you use your hands, do NOT direct them toward the catchers face, or you are also out.

-The acceptable way to collide with the catcher is to use your upper torso to collide with ONE of their shoulders, but not both. If you cause the catcher to turn toward the side you impacted, you did it right. If instead they fly straight back, then you centered your impact and will be called out. Simply go for one side of the catcher, ie one of his shoulders.

===============

Note that this would be the case for all situations, ie there would be no specifying of contact rules by the catcher as mentioned in previous posts.

This is good because it preserves the runner's ability to jar the ball loose, yet protects both the runner & catcher from severe head-on impact.

That was basically the idea I was trying to get across. All baserunners should keep a few things in mind.

==
Just to clarify: Are the runners allowed to lower their shoulders as long as they a) direct contact at one side of the defenders body and b) keep their elbows in?

I think this is important for the baserunners safety.
==

[Baseball=Life]

Just to clarify: Are the runners allowed to lower their shoulders as long as they a) direct contact at one side of the defenders body and b) keep their elbows in?
==

Yes, as long as they keep their elbows in and make sure to collide on one side of the catcher, as described above.

As for baserunners' safety, yes of course that's important. Worth pointing out, however, is the fact the catcher, despite the gear, is way more vulnerable, since he is still and the runner is sprinting. Hence these rules to ensure the catcher can avoid the worst types of collisions.

[BostonMike]

Worth pointing out, however, is the fact the catcher, despite the gear, is way more vulnerable, since he is still and the runner is sprinting. Hence these rules to ensure the catcher can avoid the worst types of collisions.

Thats the truth about the catcher stitting still and the runner in motion. What I am going to have in mind for now on is that when a play is coming toward me and I have the ball I am going to try to tag the runner with my glove, not block his running path, and I think if the runner sees that he will try to avoid me. And if I don't have the ball then I won't get in the way of the base at all.