Understand the difference between complaining vs a negative opinion of a certain rule. I don't complain, does not mean that rule is not stupid vice versa. Also, I respectably disagree. Enlighten me why that rule is necessary. For the same argument, how long does it take for a grown man to jog around a diamond?? Less than a min. Yet, it's ok not to run if you hit HR to save time. I tell you why that rule is dumb.
1. sometimes pitchers have gear on after two outs not knowing whether he will be batting or not. All that is to save some time. after all, some pitchers have a lot of stuff to put on for their protection. Sometimes, they hit with gears on. When you walk him, now, he needs to carry that **** with him. For what??? I mean no big deal but still, for what?
2. in the league, there are a lot of old men, show up to play as a pitcher and hitter. Some of them are not in good condition. He's got a knee brace on and he does not run well. but he still enjoys the game of softball and he can hit to backside like no others. OBP is like .700 better than many young kids in our league. So, what's the point of making him limping to 1st base when he can just walk back to the dugout?
3. some people get injured, but still can hit very well, so, pitcher walks him to face the next guy. what's the point of an injured man running the 1st base.
there are more, but I'll stop here. And I did not make that list out of my imagination. I have witnessed all of them multiple times with my limited playing time.
But forget about all those good reasons.
Again, what's the legitimate point of that rule, so i can understand why that rule is necessary??
dunkky - yeah , I can understand your thoughts and will comment on what I see from my perspective, all the while with respect intended:
1. If he had the gear on when he either singled to right field or slow rolled an easy out to the shortstop he still had to run to first base, or trot, or walk, I’m sure you agree so why not run, jog, or hopefully not just walk to first when he receives a walk, as you suggested, we all want to streamline and/or speed up these senior games that take too long to play.
2. Yeah, some guys have physical limitations but if he can hit backside like no other then he can run, trot, or limp if necessary to first base. Same thing goes for accepting a walk, run, trot, or limp if necessary and be proud of contributing to your team. The slowness in our game comes from the fact that once a batter-runner reaches first base both the first base coach and the guy just getting on first are waving their arms, asking the ump for time, waiting for someone to come and run. I think you would agree these are the unnecessary delays and slow play that we all disdain.
3. Injuries happen, injured but still able to hit very well? Then he can run, trot, or limp to first base, same with a walk.
As to these observations being very good reasons? many more reasons, too numerous to mention? Not the way I view the game.
As to the basic rule that a walked batter is required to reach first base to become a batter-runner, this keeps the integrity of the game in tact. If he wanders toward the dugout, someone else comes from somewhere? One of the base coaches? Someone out of the dugout? Player coming thru the gate that just left the water fountain or the restroom?
The umpires standing in one spot primarily for an hour and a half have enough to keep up with, I’m sure you would agree.
Not picking on anyone, but we need to play, and stay active. If walking is all a player can do then he should find a good walking trail near home, enjoy the sunshine, and nature both animal and plant life.
Some of the “local rules” that I see put in place make zero sense to me. One I have heard is no batter-runner can be thrown out at first base by an outfielder? So you penalize an outfielder that charges a base hit and has enough savvy, arm strength and accuracy to get an out for his team? We should all just gather down at the boat ramp or local joint and drink a cold beer and talk about what we used to do, or politics if you’re keen for a real fight. Please take my post as constructive remarks to keep our game a competitive and enjoyable game.