It was getting dark when we started the 7th inning last night at CBA. It was an accomplishment -- on all sides -- that we had gotten that far. The Rockets were delayed in fielding nine, so we didn't start on time. Then flashes of lighting in the distance (and near distance) kept us off the field for stretches at a time.
Anyway, the decision was made to start the 7th inning, with the score Rockets 7, Pirates 2. The Pirates rallied to score five runs in the top of the 7th, all with two outs, to tie the score. It is getting darker. Todd Calhoun took the mound for the Pirates. Strikes out the first batter. Strikes out the second batter (there are numerous foul balls in this at-bat).
Someone on the Rockets bench complains that it's too dark. And the umpire waves his arms and suddenly calls the game, right then and there. Game over, score reverts to the previous inning. Rockets win, 7-2.
We were in shock.
It was the wrong call, and I strongly disagreed with it. Once the decision was made to play the 7th, and the events transpired as they did, we had to play it out. We needed one more minute of play, five, tops. Should the game have been called after the 6th? Perhaps, though no one said so at the time. But to call it at the point it was called, with the ramifications it had, was most unfortunate.
It did not help matters when, five minutes later, a group of Pirates were privately stewing in a bar. In walks the Rockets -- with the umpire! I was not there. But I understand it was not a good situation.
Ultimately, I think there are a couple of issues here for the league to discuss and address. The least of which is the outcome of this specific game. I don't think there was anyone to blame here. No one is a villian. The umpires worked hard to get us that far in the first place. The Rockets, as always, played hard and with integrity (no stalling tactics, nothing like that).
But it was a hell of a way to lose, with a lot of bitter feelings among the Buccaneers. Hard to blame them. We had come so far. To have it snatched away, with one out to go and a pitcher clear in command, it stung, and still stings.
ITS A COMPETETIVE LEAGUE, THEYRE A NEW CLUB, THROW EM A FREEBIE. THEREFORE, IT IS DECREED; THEY SHALL BE THE ROCKETTES FOR THE REMAINDER OF THIS SEASON.
I feel compelled to repeat my personal feelings: The Rockets played hard, and with integrity. It was, in fact, getting dark. Any player on any team is well within his rights to say so. They did not try to stall, did not do half a dozen things I've seen before. They simply came to play the game. And they beat us, too.
They have my respect, as do the umpires who made every decision without bias and with the best of intentions. It is a very, very, very difficult job.
And I really don't think this public bulletin board is the place for insults.
I had originally hoped that this bulletin board might be a place where we, the players, the silent majority, would have a voice to discuss various issues/events of the league. In this league, so few decide so much. The players forfeit all rights -- all SAY -- with a shrug and with silence. So five or six guys make all the decisions, because somebody has got to do it.
I had hoped this board could evolve into a place to exchange ideas, stories. Talk about playoff formats or whatever. To, yes, share this experience and maybe recognize that we are not so much divided by our uniforms as we are united by our sport.
I've come to feel that I was mistaken; my apologies all around. No more from me. See you on the diamond.
That was a tough night to play ball. We played at New Scotland that same night. We got the complete game in but it could have easily been called. I understand the tough decision the umps have to make. They have been doing a great job for our league all year - very consistently - including the Pirates/Rockets game - I'm sure. I feel that once the 7th inning was stated in that game, it should have been finished - barring nearby lightning strikes. Given the situation in the game and the current standings and record of the 2 teams involved, I would say this is a time when an exception should be made to the rules. Schedule a 3-inning shoot out behind the barn - no holds barred. Start it with the score 0-0. Set it up for a time when both pitching staffs are rested and have it out - may the best man win.
