I've been kind of holding off in posting this. I don't usually complain about the board's decisions, but I feel when they decided to implement the 10 Run Rule in the 35's they ignored the input of the managers.
Other than shortening the game and making it possible for the winning team to save it's pitchers, I see no reason for this rule and an early conclusion to games.
We pay the umps for a full game. The players and teams pay for full games. Why shorten it? Plainly, I don't believe in the Mercy Rule.
In fact, I would complain that the other leagues should do away with it. But that would be the managers decisions for those leagues.
Yes, I agree it can get ugly, but how are teams supposed to be able to get enough innings to try new players or pitchers out? These games can be a help in putting someone in a real game situation. That being said, if you try a new pitcher he should at least know the rules of pitching.
Next time - take a poll and see if this is what we want.
I agree with Ray here. The managers of the team leading the blowout who are gentleman usually will ask the losing team if they want to play on - if they do, game should continue.
The Board has not acted previously in matters such as this that should be determined on the division level.
The Board blew it on this one and should reconsider.
Another in agreement for the rescinding of the 10 run rule...
Last time I saw that it was little league as a rule to avoid crying and not to subject young people to humiliation at too early a stage in their development, but I believe that WE are all beyond that.
So as stated before, it's a perfect opportunity for coaches to "empty" the benches and giving "marginal" players the opportunity to play, given the fact that this is a "competitive" league, this does take place in the majors as one poor long relief pitcher is asked to "take one for the team"...it's not like we have to give the paying crowd their money back...
Guys pay, let them pay guys!!! The team ahead should ask the losing manager if they wish to go on or stop play. The team ahead can call off the wolves if things get out of hand also.
I was not at the board meeting when this rule was passed. When I heard that it was, I objected as you all did and for the same reasons.
At the most recent board meeting, I asked to revisit the rule; hopefully we will do that at the next board meeting on March 11. I will certainly bring it up. Hopefully, we will get more postings on this. Having just four postings will not likely sway the board.
I also think this is a bad rule.We pay to play this game if the game gets out of hand do as Mike suggested call off the wolves and get evryone in the game.We have to have some fun in this league.
Ray, Mike Ep and others list some very good reasons to rescind the 10-run rule. I agree. Play all games to completion unless the losing manager decides to end it early.
Craig Danzig here of the Albany Veterans. I categorically agree with your post regarding the 10 run rule. The mercy rule should be completely abolished. Tens run leads in this league doesnt amount to much these days and yes, we pay for umpires for full games ,as well as the league. I thought the mercy rule only existed in tee ball and little league. Why it's even presented here is mind boggling.
A few years ago, I was playing for the Shasky's. We were down by quite a few runs and were close to "mercy." Legendary Coach Ace Grocki put me into pitch for a few innings. I hadnt pitch since college and had lost confidence that I still could, but Ace Grocki had faith in me. I pitched ok and got back my confidence and it has inspired me to focus on pitching this year for the Vets. What I am saying is, if the mercy rule was invoked that faithful day, I wouldnt be pitching today. I think the entire league should vote on this, not just the BOD. Last I heard we live in a democracy...
Another point. Last year in around the 5th or 6th inning of a game, we were up by at least 9 runs. After doubling, I stole (took) 3rd base. I got chewed out by my manager and my teammates for doing so. I was bit naive as to why I was blasted by many, but also the opposing pitcher, who stated, " I hope you get up again." I guess he meant he was going to bean me, which would have been a big mistake had he. My point is, we either lost that game, or barely won it with both teams scoring into the double digits. Nonetheless, the pitcher gave me 3rd base. The pitcher went into a wind up while I was at second base. Do you think Joe Torre wouldnt rip a player if he didnt take the base. I respect my teammates and my coach, however its seems like they just were following ediquette that was created by this league. All I can say is if I'm pitching, I not giving away anything, regardless of the score and/or conditions.
Please abolish mercy rule, so others who arent as fortunate, can have opportunities to explore and play.
I have to say, as a member of the board who voted with the majority to implement the mercy rule in the 35 division, I am touched by the passion of those opposed to it.
Certainly, this "mercy rule" must be a much more commonplace occurance in this division than our other divisions who have adopted it, as well as the National MSBL. Alas, when I attempted to look at last years scores in this division, it says the schedule is comimg soon. I can only venture to say that if it does happen that often, the division has more problems than the mercy rule.
I would be open to taking a second look at this issue at our next board meeting. I certainly don't want to be responsible for preventing a manager from " taking a look" at a player who otherwise won't get to play unless his team is losing by 10 or more runs.
I can only say that, as a player, I've been on both sides of a mercy rule game. I was extremely happy the game was called in either circumstance.
As a rule, I am never in favor of stopping a baseball game that I am playing in. I really don't think it is as much of an issue in the 35+ division for one reason. Most of our games are played on weeknights on unlit fields. The time it takes one team to get up 10 runs, and complete 5 innings for the losing team, usually uses up all of the available daylight. I would say that, if the rule is in effect during the regular season, it ought to be suspended for the playoffs. As Ralph pointed out, 10 run leads have evaporated in this league numerous times, and when your playoff lives hang in the balance, you should be given every chance to create one of those "miracle comebacks."
One problem from a sportsmanship angle that we've seen in the 25+ division. Team A is up 8 or 9 runs on Team B. Team A has a couple of full coolers in the parking lot. Team A either pulls a double steal, or keeps on stealing bases to get to the magical ten run mark. This not only leads to bad blood between teams, but fastballs tend to run up and in. Not good on either side of the coin.
I agree with Mike as far as how often it comes into play in the 35 division. For the losing team to get up at bat 5 times, even if they are getting clobbered, the darkness becomes more of an issue than the score. And believe me, I am the ultimate expert here as far as getting behind big time in a CDMSBL contest. As far as what Tommy said about the coolers waiting in the parking lot and one team accelerating the score to the magic number, I have encountered nothing but class in the games where the Shaskys have been way behind. I would rather keep on scrapping rather than give up, and the opposing managers have always agreed to play on regardless of the score. I can only think of one time when the mercy rule was used, and that was at a game that was cold and rainy and we had played for a long time.
Maybe things will change if it's mandatory, but with 5 turns at batting required for the team that's behind I really see the darkness coming just around the same time. It takes awhile to score all those runs. I know that for a fact because sometimes a half inning when the other team is scoring a big number can feel like an hour when you're out there in the field.
This is just one example of the board making themselves heard over our own decisions. From what I have seen this year ( my first dealing with the political end ) we really don't need a president of each division. All moves that we have made on behalf of our division have been struck down by the board. One time I heard a very strong tone from a board member proclaiming that when the board looked over a specific item it would be declined if he did not believe it would work the way he saw fit. In this case the mercy rule is there to spare hard feelings. Let's face it... in football people can get hurt in a blow-out. In baseball they can get another at-bat or make another play in the field. The final decision should be left up to the managers. If team A was up by 10 runs over my team I would be concerned about how I could turn my team around for next game. Maybe try someone else out at a position that was weak etc. If I was up by that much then the pitcher comes out and some other decisions are made as to not rub the other teams nose in it while still preserving the win.
In summary, we are all adults and pay to play all season. If the other manager takes pride in winning by 10+ runs per game then we should review this again next year and point out what and who the problem is. Other than that..."Let;s Play Ball!"
I see a lot of letters regarding the 10 Run Rule, but it seems we have fallen deaf ears here. Anybody from the board willing to make a comment. Potential players strike on the way...
All kidding aside, lets get this resolved this issue before the season starts, so we know we stands and lets play ball.
