what do you think about this rule to help pitchers

[owens25]

i was at tournament a couple weeks ago, i think it was the D city slam and one of the pitchers got pegged in the face. had to be rushed to the hospital and the team i was playing for at the time our pitcher was standing right there and he was holding on to his mask he wears in all the games he pitches...we started talking with a couple of other players about new rules to keep the middle (closed) and a mask is a good idea also...i thought of another one.....how bout if they put a 6 foot high net about two feet wide right next to the pitchers mound...and after you throw you can stand behind it if you want....and if the batter hits the net its a dead ball out. and the runners will not be able to advance. that way we can keep the game fun and safe.

[JV#3]

Owens, I see your point! But man that's just not a good idea for your middle in-fielder's. Accident's are going to happen, people just need to respect the game and the player's that are out on the field. Inspecially the PITCHER'S cause there job is hard enough. I would suggest scooting the pitcher's mound back!!!!! [/B][/B][/B]Major league pitchers don't worry bout anything an just a couple weeks ago one of those guys took one off the dome! So it's going to happen unfortunatly, but it's the attitude's of the batter an players that make it what it is!!!!!!!!! I see what your saying b/c you do pitch, well I have to and to be honest an object out on the field will just get in the way!

[bombsaway]

yes if you put a screen up what would you do with ur 5th infielder?alot of balls that are hit up the middle that the pitcher doesnt field or runs away from are fielder by the 5th man,and alot of double plays are started by the pitcher by a middle hit ball.

[JV#3]

If you are a pitcher, protect yourself!!!!!!
If you are a batter, Be smart!!!!! APOLOGY needs to be given!!!!!!!!(if hit up the middle)

*real simple fellas! I know most guy's around here aren't getting paid to play softball! So let's just have fun!

[KOSTOFF2]

Seriously fella's this is sounding like a broken record. This debate could go on for the rest of the year.

Pitchers- Please get a mask and use the extra 2 or 3 feet behind the rubber to your advantage.

Hitters- If you intentionally try and hit a pitcher....get a grip on life.

Dudleys Advanced- Don't use them

Everything else won't change this year or become mandatory, so save your ideas for when the board meets this winter. I would love to know how to get on board, these issues need to be looked at.

[JV#3]

I say the same thing KOST.....It's all just talk right now, until the winter! Whatever happens will be for the good!

[ttf23]

I hate to see anyone get hurt but I'll be the first to say I will hit the middle
when it's open.
If guys are crazy enough to pitch then they need to get a mask or take
advantage of he 6' behind the rubber rule.
They can also learn how to pitch so that the odds of them getting hit are less.

Lets face it, when screens are used, people ejected, or that dead ball thing start to happen...that will be the end of softball.

They should play with wooden bats and 16" balls before they change the complextion
of the game.

[ridinoz]

Hey if you want the net in the middle and its a dead ball if it hits it then there is no need for a middle infielder. Put him back in the outfield for a four man. Maybe it will go back to being a skill game than a game of kill the pitcher. But I dont have a easiest solution is to move the mound back. As of now you have 6 feet behind the mound to pitch from and how many guys use it hardly any because you can't keep that same low arch on the pitch. Lets just put a ball on a tee and the pitcher is now moved back to the middle infielder spot and have a four man outfield. Come on people. Accidents happen. But there are several players that do try to hit the pitchers and it is uncalled for. If a team gets lippy instead of hitting the pitcher how about letting the score board do the talking. Ok I am rambling now and lost and confused myself. LMAO

[cannonforanarm]

You can get the hockey catcher's mask for $20-30 at PAS in Hyde Park or a lacroose-type helmet (seems to be lighter weight than the catcher's mask) for like $15-20...

[bombsaway]

i havent heard from any of the pitchers from c and b class on here yet,what do you think they should do?accidents do happen yes,you know you could wear a helmet or use the 6foot box behind the rubber.i know alot of you upper pitchers have been hit before and still continue to pitch day in and out,some love when the middle is hit,idk id just like to see a few posts from the pitchers prospective.

[KOSTOFF2]

i havent heard from any of the pitchers from c and b class on here yet,what do you think they should do?accidents do happen yes,you know you could wear a helmet or use the 6foot box behind the rubber.i know alot of you upper pitchers have been hit before and still continue to pitch day in and out,some love when the middle is hit,idk id just like to see a few posts from the pitchers prospective.

I know after talking to my pitcher he does want to wear a helmet and possibly shin guards. He understands it's part of the game that the middle will be hit, but it doesn't hurt anything to have protection.

[JHAMP]

i havent heard from any of the pitchers from c and b class on here yet,what do you think they should do?accidents do happen yes,you know you could wear a helmet or use the 6foot box behind the rubber.i know alot of you upper pitchers have been hit before and still continue to pitch day in and out,some love when the middle is hit,idk id just like to see a few posts from the pitchers prospective.

I have never worn a mask because I have always felt like I could catch everything hit at me, but with those balls it wasn't the case.
Once again thanks to everyone and I will be back out there soon!
Frank Gruber

Well there's a quote from Frank himself.

[Impact#2]

Ha! You looked!

[bellamy]

how about instead of a pitcher we just put a pitching machine out there? :-) Pitchers just wear helmets middle will still be hit and theres nothing anyone can do its part of the game!

[bombsaway]

ya there u go have a machine out there to throw meatballs, who will run the machine and will it be behind a net?if a net is out there with a person running the machine then there is an extra expense for the park and who's going to want to sit in a chair behind a net and put a ball into a machine,if it throws a perfect pitch then why need balls and strikes. expense and time are not something softball is wanting to do.we get 1 hour to play a game,we pay for each tourney to win money or a berth.if you put a machine out there there would be no use for usssa,asa,nsa etc. everything would be the same if operated by a machine thats designed to throw a perfect pitch.a machine would take creativity out of the game, and taking the pitcher trying to get u out.its a hitters game to begin with picking out the pitch u want to hit, not knowing where the ball will be pitched,thats why there are alot of bp phenoms.. j/k bellamy

[bombsaway]

I have never worn a mask because I have always felt like I could catch everything hit at me, but with those balls it wasn't the case.
Once again thanks to everyone and I will be back out there soon!
Frank Gruber

Well there's a quote from Frank himself.

okay i understand, now for guys that have been hit and injured do you now where protecive gear?

[RB27]

how about this idea go to a five man infield and a 4 man outfield.

[b.a.s.]

I do pitch, and I wear shin guards and plan to buy a helmet. Unfortunately for pitchers when teams start talking trash to each other, it is the pitcher that they start hitting at. I will take every precaution possible, but I feel that if there was a batter's box and it was inforced, it would help matters. Let's face it, you all have seen the guys that stand 3 feet behind the plate, and 3 feet to the side of it. Where can you pitch that guy so he can't hit it back at you? Any strike you throw he can send right back at you. The batter's box would help pitchers be able to make the guy hit it where they want.

[JV#3]

Isn't it funny that on this blog the sponsored link is (BAT ROLLING AND SHAVING)link ....Aren't we talking about how this isn't a good idea? LOL I thought so! For the pitcher's just play the game as you allways have! If you feel like a team is hitting the middle on purpose, THEN TELL THE UMPIRE! That is what there jobs are it to help protect players an fans buy keeping the sportsmanship of the game an everyone safe!!!!! UMPIRES STAND UP AND SAY SOMETHING!!!!!!!!!!!

[BOOT HILL]

Owens when you have two pitchers that are 6' plus pushing 270lbs do you know what it would cost for a net to cover me and Tim ??????? LOL Why do you think JV is so white !!!!
we block him from the sun!!!!!!!


On a serious note !!!!!!

I have played for 20 plus years and the saying " Buzz the Tower " Head hunting " Pitchers House" has been around since I started.

I have seen more guys hurt playing 3rd. then I ever did pitching.

Yes the sport has issues but its the same issues its had for the last 20 years.

15 to 20 years ago we had the following

50 core balls/ Hot HOT
No warranty Thin wall/ Double wall bats
loaded bats/ super balls inside bats
Trash talking/Fights

Now we have in 2008

The balls are to hot
The bats are to hot
Shaved and rolled bats
Trash talking/ fighting

Nothing has changed boys its the same game and we are still playing every weekend and spending millions on the sport the everyone is saying is so bad.


Softball has always been like a big sex scandal, someone gets caught cheating and all the people that cheat sit around and talk about how bad cheating is!!!!!!

[JV#3]

HA HA HA !!!!!! Bill your a clown! lol.....Why I look so white is because I know we are going to be out in the field awhile so I put the super duper sun screen on cause I don't want to get burnt! Hell we are in the field more than we are batting!!!! ha ha j/k......

To speak about your comment, everyone on here is right! I have stated my opinion about the whole thing an we will just have to wait on next year..........

[phatneff]

Isn't it funny that on this blog the sponsored link is (BAT ROLLING AND SHAVING)link ....

Ha! That's because these internet programs recognize what is being typed and then tailor the ads to what everyone is talking about.

Start talking about something completely different and the ad will change too.

[Tiger Fitness]

Ha! That's because these internet programs recognize what is being typed and then tailor the ads to what everyone is talking about.

Start talking about something completely different and the ad will change too.


SOCCER SOCCER SOCCER SOCCER SOCCER SOCCER
UMBRO UMBRO UMBRO UMBRO UMBRO UMBRO


I just want to see what add will come up....:-)

[slamit93]

lol...

[Sparky]

Owens when you have two pitchers that are 6' plus pushing 270lbs do you know what it would cost for a net to cover me and Tim ??????? LOL Why do you think JV is so white !!!!
we block him from the sun!!!!!!!


Bill, you're 270? Geez, what have you been eating? I remember when you were almost in decent shape. :)


Hey, what happened to that guy that hit 1.000 for you at state a few years ago? Now that guy can pitch!!!!!!


33

[JHAMP]

SOCCER SOCCER SOCCER SOCCER SOCCER SOCCER
UMBRO UMBRO UMBRO UMBRO UMBRO UMBRO


I just want to see what add will come up....:-)

Ask and you shall receive.

This advertisement brought to you by Phatneff Sports Inc.
Where illegal use of hands doesn't apply when Neff is on the job!!!

[TPE29]

Hey Bombs. I have pitched for many years at many different levels. I have been hit many times. I did just purchase a mask to wear. The only advise that I can give to pitchers is dont start running your mouth in a game and dont hit the middle yourself. I personally first try and get out of the way of the ball and second try to field it. Thats what my middle fielder is there for. The middle will always be one of the easiest places to hit the ball especially in USSSA. I never take a hit up the middle personally, it is part of the game. The only time i would ever get mad is if the other team starts making comments about hurting someone and hitting it there intentially. The injury to Frankie really woke me up. He is probably the best defensive pitcher and has the quickest feet. That is why i just purchased a mask. Good luck to Frankie on a speedy recovery.

[Tiger Fitness]

Ask and you shall receive.

This advertisement brought to you by Phatneff Sports Inc.
Where illegal use of hands doesn't apply when Neff is on the job!!!

Amazing, you didn't even have to use photo shop...lol

[JHAMP]

Amazing, you didn't even have to use photo shop...lol

When you google soccer fags a photo of Neffy appears, who would have thought?

[phatneff]

LOL!!

[bombsaway]

Hey Bombs. I have pitched for many years at many different levels. I have been hit many times. I did just purchase a mask to wear. The only advise that I can give to pitchers is dont start running your mouth in a game and dont hit the middle yourself. I personally first try and get out of the way of the ball and second try to field it. Thats what my middle fielder is there for. The middle will always be one of the easiest places to hit the ball especially in USSSA. I never take a hit up the middle personally, it is part of the game. The only time i would ever get mad is if the other team starts making comments about hurting someone and hitting it there intentially. The injury to Frankie really woke me up. He is probably the best defensive pitcher and has the quickest feet. That is why i just purchased a mask. Good luck to Frankie on a speedy recovery.

definitly a mask is the best way to go,the middle will always be open so to speak,best thing you can do as a pitcher is try and field it.on the other hand like u said when the other team talks about hitting the middle then thats a hole other issue.i would hope as grown men that we wouldnt try to intentionall try and hurt another person,we all have familys to go home to at the end of the day.now a bad hop in the infield u cant do anything about that.i play third base and last yr i took one off the eye at egleston it doesnt feel good but you have to move on from the experience.

[Sproles08]

I have pitched for years, and my shins show it. Anyone that know me can contest to that. Hitting the middle is part of the game, not hitting the pitcher. I learned a long time ago if you pitch and run your mouth expect something.

I think a lot of middle wars escalate, because some pitchers think everyball that zooms by them is intentional. The only time you will hear me say anything, is when I hear the batter make some idiot remark, like whoop. Unfortunately the equipment now is making the position of pitcher a little more difficult.

I wear shin guards now and this weekend will be the first time I will be wearing a mask.

So now people can call me, the fat, masked, dancing bear pitcher for JLC

[softball00man]

Alright Tim here it is. It is a chance we as pitchers take when we take the mound. The 6 foot behind the rubber is no good for me because the ball comes in flater and if you throw me a flat pitch its going to come right back up the middle. I do not mind guys hitting the middle on me its part of the game. The thing i get upset about is the guys hitting right at me! their is a diffrence in hitting the middle and hitting at the pitcher. And Tim I agree with you with the 5th infeilder its alot easier to turn 2 with him there. Mask maybe we as pitchers should wear them but that is up to the pitcher. Youngie did not mean to do that, unlike the one guy with the shaved bat!! So one last thing if you dont pitch the shut the fu_K up about all the dumb ass rules you want to put in. It is part of the game and thats it. See you guys on thursday.

[diamondfreak31]

A few weeks back our team was at a tourney and watching a game to see who we played next, these two teams were really mouthing off to each other when one guy hit a rocket up the middle it hit the pitcher in the wrist and he was down. Everyone thought he broke his wrist, but he decided to keep playing. His team started Jawing with the other team, then the pitcher who was hit started running his mouth, he kept asking them to hit at him and just dogging them. He wanted them to drill him it was messed up.

[BOOT HILL]

Bill, you're 270? Geez, what have you been eating? I remember when you were almost in decent shape. :)


Hey, what happened to that guy that hit 1.000 for you at state a few years ago? Now that guy can pitch!!!!!!


33

Your body goes to hell when go off the roids!!!!!LOL

I have a desk job and Just like when I pitched I hit the plate alot. LOL

If you talking about Conner he still pitches for us.


Time to eat !!!!!!

[RB27]

how about this idea go to a five man infield and a 4 man outfield.

Nobody likes this idea?

[phatneff]

Nobody likes this idea?

I would say no because you're changing the game by adding another player, BUT they obviously did it before by adding the 10th guy.

[britton35]

wow this is out of control leave it for the winter and the board will look into it more at least i hope