EmptyMessage board »Message Board home »Sign-in or register to get started
Online now: 1 member: dkrollw364; 7 anonymousDiscussion: Any rules about location of safety screen?
| Posted | Discussion |
| May 31 HJ Men's 70 481 posts | Our plus 60 league requires our "Junior division" to use a safety screen for the pitcher. It was observed that some pitchers were placing the screen strategically and not in a position to provide safety for the pitcher. We added a rule requiring the screen to be w/in 1 foot of either the 1st or 3rd base side of the rubber and w/in 2 feet of the back or front of the rubber. With some exceptions because of umpire ignorance or lackadaisical effort it has worked well. Have any other leagues instituted such a rule? If so, what is your rule and what works and doesn't ? I am not interested on a dissertation on why screens are bad or good or are adverse to the purity of the game. |
| June 1 Webbie25 Men's 70 2414 posts | Good point, HJ. We have screens in our league. I have believed it should be touching the rubber-right or left of the pitcher. You really cannot do much better than that. But I would like to see thinner screens, like maybe 2 feet wide so they do not take too much of the field away from the hitter. 2 feet is plenty for a pitcher to get behind to be safe. |
| June 2 Larry S 54 posts | This is our rule: For their safety, it is recommended that all pitchers use the pitching screen. The pitchers screen is for pitcher protection. The edge of the screen shall be placed no more than 12 inches from the edge of the pitching rubber. A batted ball hitting the screen will be treated as any foul ball. |
| June 2 LP 317 posts | why not go with a rubber ball like japan leagues use would solve every thingabout safety. although i think most players would quit the game if it comes to that. |
| June 2 Gary19 Men's 50 2609 posts | Why not go without the special bats like everyone under 50 does? That would solve a lot too. |
| June 3 Pull My Finger 81 posts | 19 Tell us how much difference there is between a Senior and USSSA (kids bat) softball bat! |
| June 3 Gary19 Men's 50 2609 posts | There must be enough of a difference, or why do old guys insist on using them? |
| June 3 Full Monty 88 posts | The only tested difference is 1.20 or 1.21 Bpf. How big is that? |
| June 3 Pull My Finger 81 posts | You answered a question with a question. |
| June 3 Gary19 Men's 50 2609 posts | For those of you foolish enough to argue that the difference is neglibible, please explain why old guys insist on using them. Finger, not really. the answer was there must be a big enough difference for old guys to insist on them. The FOLLOW-UP question was if not then why do old guys insist on them. Keep ducking and dodging the obvious. |
| June 3 Pull My Finger 81 posts | I SEE NO ACTUAL ANSWER... NO FACTS THAT SUPPORT YOUR COMMENTS. So how about figuring it out in measurement? If Gary can only hit a ball 200 feet using a USSSA (1.20) bat, then how much farther will Gary hit the same ball and every thing else being equal the same, with a Senior Bat(1.21)? How far does Gary think he will hit the ball with the Senior Bat? 350'? |
| June 3 HJ Men's 70 481 posts | All things being equal, a senior bat will create a slightly faster ball speed than a USSSA bat. I have seen estimates that a senior bat will drive the ball 15 to 30 feet further. Considering how short the distance is from the batter to the pitcher, the time difference for the ball to hit the pitcher is virtually negligible between the 2 standards. I think many seniors who don't have HR power are deluding themselves about the advantages of using a senior bat. One advantage to a senior bat is that it becomes "hot" faster than a USSSA bat. I think many batters don't have the patience or power to properly break in a USSSA bat and thus a senior bat is the viable option. I don't think using USSSA bats is the answer to protecting old pitchers with slow reflexes. ASA wood bats are a somewhat different story. Somewhere out there is someone who has actually calculated the time differenc to the pitcher's eye (Note: a batter upfront in the box reaching on a low pitch cuts down the distance.) |
| June 3 Gary19 Men's 50 2609 posts | So what I have learned is: (a) The special bats are negilibly hotter than USSSA bats. (b) Seniors insist on being able to use the special bats, hence ASA is now allowing them. (c) The special bats break much more easily than other bats, and are not warrantied, hence seniors have to spend a lot more money to play. Anyone else this doesn't add up to? |
| June 3 stick8 1992 posts | Pull My Finger no need to get combative. I'm not aware of any significant study that would give you the number of feet or increased speed of the ball that a senior bat gets compared to a USSSA bat. It would vary according to the type of hitter. Most players understand senior bats are hotter than USSSA or ASA bats. What you might want to ask yourself is why senior bats don't have warranties whereas most of the USSSA bats do? |
| June 3 Gary19 Men's 50 2609 posts | stick, he doesn't need to ask himself anything. He knows the answers. But to acknowledge and concede them will not further his obvious agenda. |
| June 4 Omar Khayyam 1357 posts | HJ, to give you more input on the topic of this thread (before LJ and Gary19 and friends hijacked the thread with balls and bats), our league has mandated screens for 12 years (since a near-fatal hit on a pitcher). Our league players are mixed ages, from 50 to 80+, mostly older guys since 3 of the leagues are during the day and only one at night (which does NOT mandate a screen). It is the standard screen, 6 x 2 1/2 or 3 and our rule is simple: the pitcher can put the screen wherever he desires! Most pitchers put it within 2 feet in front of the rubber (so they don't step into it) and about 6 inches to the side of the rubber. This allows them easy access to protection from a batter who is known to hit up the middle or is a particularly powerful batter. But since our league encourages fielding by the pitcher on grounders, line drives, pop-ups, etc., it is up to the pitcher where he places the screen. Some pitchers put it 4, even 5 feet in front of them. Others put it a foot or more to the side of the rubber. Of course this cuts off some area of the field when it is closer to the batter (doesn't matter left or right if it is farther back since this opens up the middle). Balls hitting any part of the screen, frame or net, are dead balls. There is some interest in changing this rule to a strike, but it hasn't happened yet. I would prefer to play without a screen, but since most of our pitchers are over 70, the screen is here to stay, particularly pitching against 50s and 55s. |
| June 4 Omar Khayyam 1357 posts | Ooops. Meant LP, not LJ, as first hijacker. |
| June 4 Pull My Finger 81 posts | 19 Tell us how much difference there is between a Senior and USSSA (kids bat) softball bat! |
| June 4 Pull My Finger 81 posts | 19 Tell us how much difference there is between a Senior and USSSA (kids bat) softball bat! |
| June 4 neck10 714 posts | why dont you just puyt the screen right in front of the pitcher make them pitch over them takes away all the flat pitching, we use one in our leauge also because of the older pitchers everyone is fine with pitching oaver it. |
| June 4 Gary19 Men's 50 2609 posts | Enough that old men insist on using the special bats or most of them will take their equipment and go home. |
| June 4 Pull My Finger 81 posts | Going by the numbers scientifically TESTED and PRINTED on the bat, the difference between the USSSA and Senior Bats is 0.01 or 1%. Since Gary could only hit the ball 200' with a USSSA bat, given a few per cent margin of error, he will gain approximately 2-6 feet distance. Just because 200' Gary came to bat using a Senior Bat, the outfielders should only back up only about 10-20 feet. For you guys that play outfield, how far will you back up if your told 200' Gary is now using a Senior Bat? 5-8 steps? Or will you back up all the way to the warning track? IT IS A SLOW PITCH SOFTBALL, NOT A MAGIC WAND!! |
| June 4 curveball Men's 65 705 posts | Larry, Palm Springs league allowed placement of the screen like Omars league, but added if you don't get behind the screen after the pitch, anything you field is a dead ball single. Pitchng over the screen was OK. Then I move to Vegas, screen must stay on glove side of the pitcher for all batters and no pitching over the screen! |
| June 4 Gary19 Men's 50 2609 posts | Finger your last sentence might be correct, but instead of yelling it at me why not ask your fellow old guys why they usually insist on using then or they won't play. |
| June 4 taits Men's 65 4548 posts | Gary, If by chance your referring to Omar, I'd be willing to bet he can out pitch, hit and run you or at least even, even at his "old" age. I've watched him play some this week. I know this week he out ran me... :>) Happy face is you Omar. Great meeting you. As for screens, I doubt you'll find real consistency in placement locations. Just like other issues. |
| June 4 Pull My Finger 81 posts | Is repeating yourself all you can do? You don't use facts, your just saying the same thing over and over only using different words. Enough that old men insist on using the special bats or most of them will take their equipment and go home. (b) Seniors insist on being able to use the special bats, hence ASA is now allowing them ask your fellow old guys why they usually insist on using then or they won't play. Blah, blah, blah... |
| June 4 Gary19 Men's 50 2609 posts | Scott, I was not referring to anyone in particular. Certainly not Omar. Just saying it is pretty apparent that if special bats are not allowed, seniors generally won't come and play. Hence ASA now allows them. Not a lot wrong with repeating the truth. A truth you have yet to even attempt to dispute. Attack me while ignoring the obvious. Typical...... |
| June 4 Pull My Finger 81 posts | Is repeating yourself all you can do? You don't use facts, your just saying the same thing over and over only using different words. Enough that old men insist on using the special bats or most of them will take their equipment and go home. (b) Seniors insist on being able to use the special bats, hence ASA is now allowing them ask your fellow old guys why they usually insist on using then or they won't play. Blah, blah, blah... |
| June 4 RIK56 Men's 60 137 posts | gary someone gives me the choice of two cars at pretty much the same price,one is a yugo the other is a bmw which should i choose.same thing here players would play if that was the only option,but its not so most players go with the better equipment and location is also a factor,las vegas and phoenix are pretty good locations. |
| June 4 Gary19 Men's 50 2609 posts | Rich, I completely agree, but that isn't the point here. People, or maybe just person, on this thread is claiming there is a neglible difference between senior and USSSA bats. Clearly there is a much larger difference between a Yugo and a Beemer. So just not the same. I understand why people want to use the special bats, though wanting to use them while claiming to care about safety is hilarious. But I digress...... |
| June 4 taits Men's 65 4548 posts | Gary Generally speaking, senior players have always adapted to changes, for better or worse. Still do, always will. I honestly believe you are incorrect in your assumption. I was involved in the ASA use there of. |
| June 4 Gary19 Men's 50 2609 posts | Scott, I will believe there were other issues with ASA than just the bats, but clearly as you said the bats were a big one. Why can't guys just be willing to play on a level playing field for the competition and not just to see how hard and far they can hit the ball with someone else's technology? |
| June 4 Omar Khayyam 1357 posts | neck10 and curveball, I'm intrigued by the concept of pitching over the screen. Where is the screen placed for this to be possible? Ten feet in front of the pitcher? Fifteen feet? I've never seen it, but it is an interesting concept. I wouldn't like it, because part of pitching is the change from high pitch to low pitch, and pitching behind the screen would make league play more like batting practice. I'll have to try pitching over the screen this week in league play just to see what it's like.:=) taits, it was good to meet you last week. I know you were crippled up, but I was impressed by your power...to all fields. If I had your boom, I'd hit more home runs inside the park, if not over the fence. As you saw, and can now testify, I'm just a pipsqueak and it's the composite bat that got me two home runs last week. In support of Gary19, the U2 added about 40 feet to my range. I know this because I have played on the same fields for decades and it's easy to see the dramatic difference. And all this is while I am slowly getting older and weaker. No telling what it would add to distance if I could have stopped Father Time. |
| June 4 Gary19 Men's 50 2609 posts | Omar, thanks. I just can't believe more guys either cannot see this or are not willing to admit it. Kind of sad to me. |
| June 4 taits Men's 65 4548 posts | Omar, Thank you. I agree on the extra distance but have also seen no real extra difference from some players. By the way I think that was BROOM and wind.... even though there was none...lol Over Screen pitching might be like unlimited depending on distance from you. I'd try it too. |
| June 4 Pricer Men's 50 621 posts | The game is changing more and more every year and maybe not for the better! In five years we won't even recognize it as softball. Sometimes we have to watch what we wish for!Enjoy! |
| June 4 taits Men's 65 4548 posts | Pricer, That's far from wishing for a screen in a game, trust me. |
| June 5 curveball Men's 65 705 posts | Omar, about 8' towards the batter, but off to the side the batter hits from. Edge of screen is placed about 1/2 way across the imaginary line through the center of the rubber, this allows you to still throw next to the screen when you want a flatter pitch. You almost have to go back in the pitchers box a tad to keep it at 12' when throwing over the screen. I found it just another way to give the batter another look......................lots of batter hate it! |
| June 5 Gary19 Men's 50 2609 posts | When there is this much discussion over the placement of a screen on the miniature golf hole, I mean infield, Pricer is looking more and more correct. |
| June 5 stick8 1992 posts | Gary, if it hasn't happened already, somewhere in the near future a league will have a pitching machine do all the pitching. |
| June 5 neck10 714 posts | used one last night never got hit once in 6 leauge games & yes we go a lot more up the middle now since we know we wont hit the pitcher in the head!!!!!!!!!! |
| June 5 neck10 714 posts | omar in our traverse city 55& older leauge the fence is 12 feet in front of mound toward home plate & it is real easy to pitch over it its only 6 feet high the arch is 6 to 10 ft it helps me makes me keep it over 6 ft.some guys will still argue that im pitching flat even tho the screen is 6ft tall.I go up the middle a lot more since we put the screen up you can go either side or over it I have played with screen for 3 yrs hit it twice seen it hit maybe 3 other times. |
| June 5 neck10 714 posts | if you put the screen to one side or the other then yoou are taking field away from the hitter you need it so the pitcher just pitches & doesnt have to worry about getting out of the way.it take the flat pitch out of the game just one more thing ump doesnt have to watch if it goes over screen its noot flat. |
| June 5 Gary19 Men's 50 2609 posts | Taking the flat pitch out of the game is taking a weapon away from the pitcher. Why? |
| June 5 neck10 714 posts | i thought it was an illegal pitch so how can it be a weapon unless you dont play by the rules?????????? |
| June 5 neck10 714 posts | gary why are the bats so special any one can buy or borrow one & use it so that makes them not so special if they were special not everyone could have one!!!!!!!! |
| June 5 MurrayW Men's 65 221 posts | neck10, does the pitcher walk towards the screen after pitching to make sure he remains behind it and is protected? It would seem that a 6ft or taller pitcher would be in jeopardy if a ball just cleared the screen and he was at the pitchers mound or deeper. |
| June 5 Gary19 Men's 50 2609 posts | A pitch does not become illegal until the ump calls it. And even then it is allowed to be swung at and the batter is on his own. Because NO one under 50 can legally use it in one of their games. But you already knew that. |
| June 6 neck10 714 posts | isnt that what we were talking about senior softball you keep talking about all things being equal (which they are not)there has to be at least 3 divisions rec comp & super. |
| June 6 neck10 714 posts | unless the ball were to be dropping fast then the taller pitcher should be alright its when it nicks the top of the screen it goes off funny but have only seen that once in about 50 games Ive played in with the screen |
| June 6 Gary19 Men's 50 2609 posts | I don't see the need for a rec division for travel teams. Travel is supposed to be the best of the best. Rec is just what it says it is. Those are just pretty contradictory terms to me. If you only play at a rec level which is fine, playing is playing, you don't need to be travelling and winning some type of "national" championships. High school does not hold JV state championships. |
| June 6 neck10 714 posts | yes but in young ball asa usssa nsa all the associations have 4 or 5 classes the rec guys like to travel it seems the lower the class the more teams and most arnt ducking they are legit.I just think 3 classes would be fine???????? |
| June 6 Gary19 Men's 50 2609 posts | Seems like there are waaaaaay more teams playing in young ball than seniors, so perhaps more classes for them is justified. But too many age groups, too many classes, and too tiny of brackets make little sense for seniors. The numbers just don't support it. |
| June 6 Robo2 238 posts | there are many good points and opinions. I do not pitch often; however, when we have BP we use a screen so guys do not feel like they need to avoid hitting back up the middle at the pitcher. The screen does not get in the way. In almost every tournament someone hits back up the middle and hits or just misses the pitcher. Many times, the batter apologizes. A screen could be used without being disruptive and it could be a strike like a foul ball. I also understand the points of those who wish to not have one and allow the pitcher to be a key separation in competition. Some field well; others not. A screen would be safer and nobody can dispute that point. The main reason why we allow ultras, etc. is to avoid the competitive advantage to those that use cheater bats. Unfortunately, there are many that do; when using ASA bats. |
| June 6 neck10 714 posts | good point ever one can get one |
| June 6 HJ Men's 70 481 posts | Thanks for all your comments. The only reason for a screen is safety and yes it does adversely affect the purity and competitiveness of the game. I think after a certain age it is necessary to protect the pitcher from his macho self. Therefore, I cannot agree with any rule that allows the screen to be placed in any position except one which maximizes pitcher protection and minimizes the adverse effects on the game. I think the screen should be of minimum width, say 2 feet and only 6 feet high. It should be w/in 6 inches from the either side of the rubber,parallel to the rubber and in front of the rubber between 1 and 2 feet from the front of the rubber. To me this would maximize safety and minimize affecting the game. Hitting the screen should be a strike. Thanks to Webbie 25 for focusing on the size and position of the screen. |
| June 6 Gary19 Men's 50 2609 posts | Want to "maximize pitcher protection"? Deaden the bats. Anything else is just lip service. Yea, yea, I know, that is not going to happen. And that is fine, but let's just not act like anyone cares about safety. |
| June 6 RIK56 Men's 60 137 posts | Deaden the bats wont work,if you really want to maximize pitcher protection put the screen up and have the pitcher pitch with no glove and stay behind the screen.for the record i"m against the use of a screen. |
| June 7 Donny C 54 posts | The screen works fine in our league as neck10 has stated, good explanation Rik. We went from a large screen to a much smaller screen and the smaller one works just fine and enables a pitcher to make a play on balls coming to either side. I recall playing in the 60's and 70's and the pitcher always had to be on his toes, even a wooden bat could produce an exceptionaly hard hit ball. I pitch and have no problem with lively bats even when the screen is not there. I do like the smaller screen our league uses as the larger screen made it too easy for a pitcher to stay behind it and not get into the defensive part of the game. Since we started with the smaller screen very few balls hit it, an out when it does. The larger screen many more balls hit it. As for better bats and equipment, we have always had technology making everything better bats included. Think about all the different kinds of wooden bats there were for example. Changes were made to make them better, recall the old three finger gloves, my first was that. No pocket on it forced you to use two hands. I now have a large glove. I get the best I can afford and senior bats are cheaper than ASA bats and work better for me. Donny C |
| June 7 Pricer Men's 50 621 posts | "A screen would be safer and nobody can dispute that point. The main reason why we allow ultras, etc. is to avoid the competitive advantage to those that use cheater bats. Unfortunately, there are many that do; when using ASA bats." What a crock of crap! If this was the case we'd all be using wood. No doctoring or fooling anyone with wood. You've all convinced yourselves with your reason's why these bats are needed. The national organizations need to do a better job of protecting it's members, period!! |
| June 7 Gary19 Men's 50 2609 posts | Kind of sad how many old guys want to sell out the sport just so they can tell the grandkids "Papi hit a home run today". Is there any other reason for the special bats and the whacky changes they cause? It's not to prevent altered bats, Pricer just solved that issue. |
| June 7 RIK56 Men's 60 137 posts | All 50 caliber players please bring all of your senior bats this weekend in columbia,we will sell them all and purchase wooden bats,with the left over funds we can purchase a pair of coaches shorts and tube socks for the players.also throw your shirts away we can get plain white cotton ones size med for everyone |
| June 7 Gary19 Men's 50 2609 posts | RIK, that is all well and good. Hahaha, and all that. =) But do you really prefer screens, run limits, time limits, and HR limits with the special bats over some type of restricted bat and we can go back to playing how we were in the 70s and 80s without all this silly stuff? Where we actually had to record three outs to get to bat again and not just suck enough to give up enough runs where they let us go in and hit. |
| June 7 neck10 714 posts | pricer more hot bats in your usssa than in asa & why are the usssa bats hotter than asa to start with???????? |
| June 7 Gary19 Men's 50 2609 posts | neck, my guess is they are hotter because USSSA allows them to be. |
| June 7 Pricer Men's 50 621 posts | Rik, just responding to an asnine reason for the senior's use of the rocket launchers. Neck, why would you or anyone else think I support the USSSA or any associations use of these bats. Quit trying to make this a me versus you or me preferring one association to another. There all wrong in my opinion as you are in defending them with just stupid reasons other then your addicted to the results they give you. Just say it and be done with it, but please stop with the comments regarding safety and fellowship with the prey in the game! |
| June 7 Batman54 2 posts | Our league has moved to mandatory pitching screens (with, it seems, inconsistent modifications) (1) The location and position of the Pitching Screen will be as follows: (a) The Pitching Screen must be placed on the pitchers’ glove hand side. (b) The Pitching Screen will be no more than four (4) feet in front of the pitching rubber. (c) The Pitching Screen must be placed not more than 6" from the end of the pitching rubber. (2) Subject to the above restrictions, the Pitcher may make minor adjustments to the location of the Pitching Screen to suit his own personal style, subject to the approval of the Umpire. (3) AFTER THE PITCH IS DELIVERED, THE PITCHER MUST IMMEDIATELY MOVE HIS BODY COMPLETELY (HEAD, ARMS, LEGS, TORSO) BEHIND THE PITCHING SCREEN AND REMAIN IN THAT LOCATION UNTIL THE BALL IS HIT. (a) Failure to do so and then fielding or attempting to field the ball will result in a DEAD BALL and the batter being awarded a single and all runners will advance one base. (b) Failure to do so but NOT fielding or attempting to field the ball will result in the Umpire issuing a verbal warning for the first two violations. A third violation will result in the removal of the pitcher from the game (as a pitcher). (4) Any ball hit into the Pitching Screen netting or striking any part of the Pitching Screen will be a DEAD BALL strike (exactly the same as foul ball). However, if striking the Pitching Screen would result in a 3rd strike AND the batter has not previously struck the Pitching Screen in the same at-bat, he shall not be declared out. For any subsequent striking of the Pitching Screen in the same at-bat, the batter will be out. (5) Any thrown ball into the screen by a defensive team will be a live ball and runners may advance at their own risk. These rules have been implemented with a wide range of umpire interpretations - particularly in the mandatory movement of the pitcher. Batters have been called safe for balls fielded by a pitcher who failed to get behind the screen first. Pitchers have been regularly warned for "peaking" or not getting their head behind the screen. Others have had Balks issued for not getting behind the screen on pitch that was not even within reach of the batter. Other than the length of this response, what do you you guys think of balks for a pitcher not getting behind a screen? |
| June 7 neck10 714 posts | Pricer I told you before i dont hit middle you pick on asa all I said was more hot bats in usssa.all Im saying is Im tired of hearing about wooden bats I only used them in high scool during PE class & Im older than you so I never used themm in competition except one night last year in leauge in traverse city hit one out foul thats as close as we had to a homerun & yes we did use the screen with the wooden bats!!!!!!!!!! |
| June 7 neck10 714 posts | why not just pitch from behind the screen then less chance of batter hitting screen?????????? |
| June 7 neck10 714 posts | gary 19 we played in a 9 team bracket in the TOC in florida thats a good bracket got to remember its tough for older guys to play more than 3 games a day which can happen in the losers bracket!!!!!!!!!!!!! |
| June 7 Gary19 Men's 50 2609 posts | neck, I understand that and have said in the past I realize the major tourneys do attract bigger fields. But those are the small exception. Most local/regional tourneys seem to have very small brackets. |
| June 8 Batman54 2 posts | HJ, I am glad you posted this question and I agree with your summary of size and position of the screen. I know I broadened it by presenting our Pitching Screen Rules, but I see that the same topic is active in many discussion groups. My first post apparently presented an older version of our new rules (thus explaining the inconsistent implementation) - see below for current rules. I have played on a wooden bat team, have been pitching slow pitch since 1981 when it was in a military league where the hitters spent as much time in the weight room as on the field, and I now hit with a high tech bat. I like hitting down the middle. In the thirty years of pitching, I was only hit once and that was during batting practice - the ball bounced off another ball that was in my glove and hit me. I have nothing against screens. But, if I am forced to take my eye off the ball to get behind a screen, I think I will stop pitching and try out an infield position. I still play in a younger league and if I get in the habit of pitching without watching the ball, I will certainly be hit. There are pitchers that no longer field their position, and they have adapted well to the new rules and frankly I think it is great that they are able to be protected. I still haven't seen any comment on these rules. ***** Current Rules ***** (1) The location and position of the Pitching Screen will be as follows: (a) The Pitching Screen must be placed on the pitchers’ glove hand side. (b) The Pitching Screen will be no more than four (4) feet in front of the pitching rubber. (c) The Pitching Screen must be placed not more than 6" from the end of the pitching rubber. (2) Subject to the above restrictions, the Pitcher may make minor adjustments to the location of the Pitching Screen to suit his own personal style, subject to the approval of the Umpire. (3) BY THE TIME THE PITCHED BALL REACHES THE STRIKE MAT (OR IS STRUCK BY THE BATTER), THE PITCHER MUST BE COMPLETELY (HEAD, ARMS, LEGS, TORSO) BEHIND THE PITCHING SCREEN. THE PITCHER MUST REMAIN COMPLETELY BEHIND THE SCREEN AND MAY NOT BECOME A FIELDER UNTIL THE BALL IS STRUCK. (4) If a pitcher is in violation of Section (3) the following rules shall apply: (a) If the pitch IS HIT INTO FAIR TERRITORY, the Umpire shall immediately call "DEAD BALL" and the batter will be awarded a single and all runners will advance one base (even if not forced). (b) If the pitch is NOT HIT INTO FAIR TERRITORY (e.g. a foul ball, a called strike or a called ball), the Umpire shall declare an "illegal" pitch and thus a ball AND any runners on base shall advance one base (even if not forced). (5) Any ball hit into the Pitching Screen netting or striking any part of the Pitching Screen will be a DEAD BALL strike (exactly the same as foul ball). However, if striking the Pitching Screen would result in a 3rd strike AND the batter has not previously struck the Pitching Scree in the same at-bat, he shall not be declared out. For any subsequent striking of the Pitching Screen in the same at-bat, the batter will be out. (6) Any thrown ball into the screen by a defensive team will be a live ball and runners may advance at their own risk. |
| June 8 neck10 714 posts | pricer I dont hit many home runs I can hit just as good with a 98 freak as I can with the new senior bat's ultra 2 etc I use the old ultra 2 with the asa stamps on it it last longer(new ultra's seem to break too soon) than anything I have ever swung.a 1st batch miken freak is just as hot but want last as long I let anyone on my team swing my bats they get a lot of cuts but sure seem to last longer than anything out there.I hear asa are going to approve the senior bats but must have senior softball engraved on it sound a little strange to me. |
| June 8 neck10 714 posts | gary we try to go where there will be at least 5 major teams in our bracket works most of the time lansing sometimes comes up short but think this year will be the year!!!!!!!!! |
| June 10 Webbie25 Men's 70 2414 posts | neck10-SSUSA is growing and working on things to insure more teams per bracket. I finally see the 60 major Plus teams talking and , just maybe , coordinating where they go to have more teams. We had 5 in Vegas-thats a positive step. The other major plus divisions ought to do the same. |
| June 11 Gary19 Men's 50 2609 posts | Well, I guess technically going from 4 teams (or whatever microscopic number it was) to 5 is "more". |
| June 11 neck10 714 posts | webbie that is positive thinking I know its more fun to have enough teams in your own division to play. lansing should be ok there are 3 good 55 major teams from michigan that should be there. |
| June 12 Webbie25 Men's 70 2414 posts | Good luck-neck10---we do need to get rid of the constant negative thinkers here. I really pity him. |
| June 13 Gary19 Men's 50 2609 posts | As I pity your apparent lack of pride. |
| June 13 neck10 714 posts | gary at least we show up to the tourney's we dont just sit home & complain |
| June 13 neck10 714 posts | pricer you bring any bat you want Ill use a miken freak 98 thats asa legal I dont care if you use an ultra 1 lets see who hits best I use a 98 every leauge game seems to work just fine.but with the ultra 2's if you shave them I think they will break so should keep that out. |
| June 13 Gary19 Men's 50 2609 posts | So in some ways, I know not all, you are who PT Barnum described. When a restaurant keeps having issues with the food and/or service, do you find it some badge of honor to continually return? If you think the 98 hits just as well, then you would have no opposition to banning the senior bats? |
| June 13 Webbie25 Men's 70 2414 posts | Gary-I used an Orange crush in one SSUSA tournament last year and hit several hrs with it. You have no defense. Neck-I understand that SSUSA is considering a purge of the message board. Anyone who has not played in a SSUSA tournament in 5 years will be purged unless he or she applies for a special exemption from Dave Dowell. Gary19-you say you play-that wouldn't make you nervous, would it? |
| June 14 Gary19 Men's 50 2609 posts | Mark, obviously there are many more bats than just the senior bats that home runs can be hit with. So that is no real defense of the situation. But tell me if this can be done with other bats, and I agree it can, then why the general insistence on the senior bats? Might it be that they are even hotter than the other bats? Or that generally they have a much larger and more forgiving sweet spot than most of the others? |
| June 14 Webbie25 Men's 70 2414 posts | You didn't answer my question, as usual. Oh, yes you did, by not addressing it-you haven't played in over 5 years have you. Yet you know everything. If you played you would understand how wrong you are on most things. |
| June 14 Gary19 Men's 50 2609 posts | Played what? Softball? Played on Sunday? Tournaments? Played in both SPA and SSUSA in 2010. So what has changed so much since 2010 that you think I have missed? And please be specific. |
| June 14 Pricer Men's 50 621 posts | Neck. I don't care what anyone hits better with. That was never my complaint. I'm not even b*tchin about the senior bats anymore, it won't change anything. What is so bothersome is you and others want screens and mask and talk so much about safety and not any of you will address the issue, which is blatantly obvious. Self and instant gratification is more of a problem than the bats, but they are really one and the same! |
| June 15 neck10 714 posts | pricer I play by the rules as long as things are even just tell me what the rules are & we are ready,Im not trying to pick on you but schleede not here anymore to pick on talked to him monday said to tell you hi. |
