Letter

Move Mound Back

May 1, 2000 – Letters from readers

I would love to see the pitching mound moved back 5 feet for the safety of the pitcher, who happens to be the person standing closest to the batter.

I have been pitching for 25 years and playing softball for 45 years. I run 3 to 4 teams a season and play on 5 or 6 teams.

The reason for moving the mound back is that the ball jumps off the bat faster today.

A year and a half ago, I saw a white flash and threw up my glove. The ball hit my glove and broke my middle knuckle and ring finger, which still has a pin in it.

Two years ago, I had a soccer shin guard on my leg, but a hard-hit ball still broke the bone. I played the next day.

Three years ago, I got nailed right below my wrist on the right forearm, which broke the bone. Twice in the last 5 years I've been hit in the ankle with line drives. Once I had to go to the hospital. Moving back the mound 4 or 5 feet would allow more reaction time ˆ and give us pitchers a chance.

Pete Grant, 61

Palmyra, Wisconsin