BLOGS.BASEBALLCHIX.COM
Dropped Third Strike Rule
I have a question: How in the world did someone come up with the rule that if the batter swings and misses at a third strike, and the ball gets by the catcher, the batter can run to first base? Maybe I'm the only one, but I think that a strikeout should be a final thing; you strikeout, you are out; you sit down, your turn is over. But there is that small percentage of the time...
The official rule is here:
10.13 Wild Pitches And Passed Balls
(b) The official scorer shall charge a catcher with a passed ball when the catcher fails to hold or to control a legally pitched ball that should have been held or controlled with ordinary effort, thereby permitting a runner or runners to advance. When the third strike is a passed ball, permitting the batter to reach first base, the official scorer shall score a strikeout and a passed ball.
This rule is OBNOXIOUS. I don't even like it when my own team uses it, because they look silly. Players want to strike out and slink back to the dugout to lick their wounds; they don't want to run like an idiot down the line only to be thrown out; or worse, be safe and have to sit on the base when you know you had a terrible at-bat. It's even worse when it happens to MY pitcher. If my pitcher worked hard enough to get a strikeout; particularly on a nasty pitch in the dirt, then he should at least be rewarded by a strikeout, and the batter sitting down, right?
Who decided this was a good idea?
According to Wikipedia, the rule has been effect for 100 years, and:
One intent of this rule is to ensure that a defensive player fields the ball cleanly in order for that team to record an out. It was thought that it is not enough that the offensive player is unsuccessful in order for an out to be made; a defensive player must be successful as well.
I think someone should have updated this with Interleague play and designated hitters. Of course, there have been extra strikeouts in MLB because of this (and 53 times in history, MLB pitchers have struck out more than 3 batters an inning), so the records would be affected, but really. There is nothing worse than seeing a player embarrassed once; and then having to run to first. Unless it's the pitcher/team who has to get another out.
The official rule is here:
10.13 Wild Pitches And Passed Balls
(b) The official scorer shall charge a catcher with a passed ball when the catcher fails to hold or to control a legally pitched ball that should have been held or controlled with ordinary effort, thereby permitting a runner or runners to advance. When the third strike is a passed ball, permitting the batter to reach first base, the official scorer shall score a strikeout and a passed ball.
This rule is OBNOXIOUS. I don't even like it when my own team uses it, because they look silly. Players want to strike out and slink back to the dugout to lick their wounds; they don't want to run like an idiot down the line only to be thrown out; or worse, be safe and have to sit on the base when you know you had a terrible at-bat. It's even worse when it happens to MY pitcher. If my pitcher worked hard enough to get a strikeout; particularly on a nasty pitch in the dirt, then he should at least be rewarded by a strikeout, and the batter sitting down, right?
Who decided this was a good idea?
According to Wikipedia, the rule has been effect for 100 years, and:
One intent of this rule is to ensure that a defensive player fields the ball cleanly in order for that team to record an out. It was thought that it is not enough that the offensive player is unsuccessful in order for an out to be made; a defensive player must be successful as well.
I think someone should have updated this with Interleague play and designated hitters. Of course, there have been extra strikeouts in MLB because of this (and 53 times in history, MLB pitchers have struck out more than 3 batters an inning), so the records would be affected, but really. There is nothing worse than seeing a player embarrassed once; and then having to run to first. Unless it's the pitcher/team who has to get another out.
2009 Opening Day - Anaheim, CA
But it's baseball...it's back!!!!
A Visit to Surprise Stadium (Rangers/Royals)
During the Baseball Chix Spring Training Trip, we had a chance to visit Surprise Stadium, the Spring home of the Texas Rangers and the Kansas City Royals. As luck would have it, both teams were in town for that game, so it was nice to see players from each team. George Brett was managing; nothing makes a baseball fan feel older than this: 1) players you vividly remember playing baseball now coaching and 2) players' sons playing baseball in the Major Leagues. Both of these situations arose in spades on the Spring Training trip.
Surprise Stadium was built in 2002, and is absolutely gorgeous. It's not as flashy as Camelback Ranch; it is styled more as an upscale high school/college sports complex, with an attached park, and plenty of baseball-viewing lawn space, but it is every inch a gorgeous place to watch Spring baseball.
Surprise is very family-friendly; in addition to the acres of lawn space; perfect for picnics, energetic children, family gatherings, you name it, there is also a section of the park dedicated just to the kids. There is even a merry-go-round, the only one we've ever seen at a ballpark!
Outside the general seating, you will find a number of batting cages reserved for the players; while the game was going on, the young players bound for AA and AAA were working with coaches in the cages; perfecting their swing, and getting some practice in during the free time.
After our long drive (Surprise is quite a hike from the central Phoenix area), we were happy to find a large selection of food and drinks at the park. Concession stands have been set up all over the stadium with freshly-grilled hamburgers, fries, and a whole host of drink options.
One last shot of the bullpen; you can see the grassy area beyond the 'pen.
This stadium is amazing; highly recommended!
DodgersWIN Baseball Clinic
The Los Angeles Dodgers are hosting a baseball clinic this Saturday, March 28, at their Spring Training facility in Glendale. The clinic is run through the Dodgers Women's Initiatives Network (DodgersWIN).
Dodger Legends Don Newcombe, Maury Wills, Ron Cey and others will give two hours of instruction immediately following the March 28 Dodgers/White Sox game at Camelback Ranch.
Dodger Legends Don Newcombe, Maury Wills, Ron Cey and others will give two hours of instruction immediately following the March 28 Dodgers/White Sox game at Camelback Ranch.
Spring Training: Camelback Ranch
Stay tuned all this week for posts from Spring Training vacations, and the Los Angeles leg of the World Baseball Classic!
We begin our 2009 Spring Training journey with Camelback Ranch out in Arizona, where the Los Angeles Dodgers and the Chicago White Sox share an absolutely gorgeous, brand-new complex, that we were lucky enough to see this year when we attended a Dodgers game.
Camelback Ranch isn't just home to one ballpark, but rather multiple practice fields, gorgeous landscaping; parks, batting cages, state-of-the-art training facilities; everything is so new and perfect, you wonder if the players would like to stay and train here throughout the season.
We parked in the outside dirt lot (Chix Tip: Stay in the left lane, and you will park outside the stadium), but it gave us the chance to walk through the absolutely amazing complex. We passed by lucious fields of green grass, beautiful blue water running under bridges and through neat designs, and we saw up to ten practice fields on our way in.
Once inside the main stadium, we were greeted by the rock/stone design of the buildings, including all of the restaurants, clubhouse stores, media rooms, and management offices.
Out in the field, there is the Spring Training traditional lawn seats, where people buy space to spread out a blanket and soak up some March sun, while taking in a baseball game. The Dodgers/White Sox provided Margaritaville, an area to purchase margaritas and sit in the shade, watching the game. Seating is first-come, first-serve, and is available all throughout the game.
Once the stadium comes into view, it is truly remarkable. The lodge design on the offices really stands out, framing the field in dark wood, and complements the pale yellow seats perfectly. The seats are roomy, and it is one of the few parks with real leg room; we could almost extend our legs fully in our seats.
We captured this rare glimpse of an at-bat (Manny's only AB of the Spring to date), while we were at the game, for you Dodgers fans!
Stay tuned for more 2009 Spring Training stadiums! What is your favorite park, and why? Baseball Chix wants to know!
We begin our 2009 Spring Training journey with Camelback Ranch out in Arizona, where the Los Angeles Dodgers and the Chicago White Sox share an absolutely gorgeous, brand-new complex, that we were lucky enough to see this year when we attended a Dodgers game.
Camelback Ranch isn't just home to one ballpark, but rather multiple practice fields, gorgeous landscaping; parks, batting cages, state-of-the-art training facilities; everything is so new and perfect, you wonder if the players would like to stay and train here throughout the season.
We parked in the outside dirt lot (Chix Tip: Stay in the left lane, and you will park outside the stadium), but it gave us the chance to walk through the absolutely amazing complex. We passed by lucious fields of green grass, beautiful blue water running under bridges and through neat designs, and we saw up to ten practice fields on our way in.
Once inside the main stadium, we were greeted by the rock/stone design of the buildings, including all of the restaurants, clubhouse stores, media rooms, and management offices.
Out in the field, there is the Spring Training traditional lawn seats, where people buy space to spread out a blanket and soak up some March sun, while taking in a baseball game. The Dodgers/White Sox provided Margaritaville, an area to purchase margaritas and sit in the shade, watching the game. Seating is first-come, first-serve, and is available all throughout the game.
Once the stadium comes into view, it is truly remarkable. The lodge design on the offices really stands out, framing the field in dark wood, and complements the pale yellow seats perfectly. The seats are roomy, and it is one of the few parks with real leg room; we could almost extend our legs fully in our seats.
We captured this rare glimpse of an at-bat (Manny's only AB of the Spring to date), while we were at the game, for you Dodgers fans!
Defending the World Baseball Classic
from baseballgirl:
Now that the much-talked event is underway, I’m curious to know how you feel now about the World Baseball Classic. Of course, it’s somewhat disingenuous that I ask this on the day following the nail-biting, shocking, tremendous second game between the powerhouse Dominican Republic, starring Reyes, Taveras, Cano, Ramirez, Ortiz, Tejada, Guillen, Aybar, Cruz, and Olivo and the Netherlands, who not only upset the Dominican team once, but twice in this contest! For those of you who couldn’t watch, or simply didn’t care to, in addition to Sunday’s shocking win; where they held the DR to eight hits and two runs, all while scoring three runs of their own; on three infield hits, the Netherlands scored the game-wining run yesterday in the bottom of the 11th inning--only the third run of the game--stunning one of the best teams in the world and advancing to the next round.
I’ve heard all the objections to the WBC, and I get it, I really do. I understand that the World Baseball Classic takes MLB players away from Spring Training; it exposes them to additional injury risks; especially at a time when their bodies aren’t used to the rigors of everyday play and the high level of competition. I also understand that the World Series could be played in the snow this year. I get why some players choose not to participate and why managers are relieved when theirs turn it down.
But what you just have to see to believe is the sheer excitement that comes with the games. There is something magical when a country out of nowhere, with no MLB stars to boast of, can beat a team with some of the very best players the MLB has to offer.
The world seems smaller, and more connected, when you think of the player who knows his name will be displayed on a big-time United States sports channel--likely for the only time in his life.
All you have to do is look into the U.S. dugout during a game; despite being filled with stars that make more money than the GDPs of some of their rival countries--they want to win the game. They want Team USA to shine in world competition, and they want to be a part of it.
It’s not hard to enjoy the games; especially coming off a masterful recent Olympics, it’s natural to side with and root for your native country, whatever that may be. It’s not hard to cheer for the Netherlands; the cannon fodder of the first round, as they now find themselves advancing to Florida (the U.S. team will advance as well). Try telling the Dutch manager, Rod Delmonico, how the WBC doesn’t matter:
Source
Delmonico had to fight off tears during his postgame news conference when talking about his team. "I am a blessed man to have had the opportunity to manage them," he said of his Netherlands players.
Maybe it’s because the semi-finals and finals are in my backyard this year. Maybe it’s because I just miss competitive baseball games. Maybe it’s because I have a sense of country pride this season. For whatever reason, the WBC has been a treat so far, and as a baseball fan, I think you’re missing out if you don’t give it a shot.
The United States will play Venezuela tonight.
Now that the much-talked event is underway, I’m curious to know how you feel now about the World Baseball Classic. Of course, it’s somewhat disingenuous that I ask this on the day following the nail-biting, shocking, tremendous second game between the powerhouse Dominican Republic, starring Reyes, Taveras, Cano, Ramirez, Ortiz, Tejada, Guillen, Aybar, Cruz, and Olivo and the Netherlands, who not only upset the Dominican team once, but twice in this contest! For those of you who couldn’t watch, or simply didn’t care to, in addition to Sunday’s shocking win; where they held the DR to eight hits and two runs, all while scoring three runs of their own; on three infield hits, the Netherlands scored the game-wining run yesterday in the bottom of the 11th inning--only the third run of the game--stunning one of the best teams in the world and advancing to the next round.
I’ve heard all the objections to the WBC, and I get it, I really do. I understand that the World Baseball Classic takes MLB players away from Spring Training; it exposes them to additional injury risks; especially at a time when their bodies aren’t used to the rigors of everyday play and the high level of competition. I also understand that the World Series could be played in the snow this year. I get why some players choose not to participate and why managers are relieved when theirs turn it down.
But what you just have to see to believe is the sheer excitement that comes with the games. There is something magical when a country out of nowhere, with no MLB stars to boast of, can beat a team with some of the very best players the MLB has to offer.
The world seems smaller, and more connected, when you think of the player who knows his name will be displayed on a big-time United States sports channel--likely for the only time in his life.
All you have to do is look into the U.S. dugout during a game; despite being filled with stars that make more money than the GDPs of some of their rival countries--they want to win the game. They want Team USA to shine in world competition, and they want to be a part of it.
It’s not hard to enjoy the games; especially coming off a masterful recent Olympics, it’s natural to side with and root for your native country, whatever that may be. It’s not hard to cheer for the Netherlands; the cannon fodder of the first round, as they now find themselves advancing to Florida (the U.S. team will advance as well). Try telling the Dutch manager, Rod Delmonico, how the WBC doesn’t matter:
Source
Delmonico had to fight off tears during his postgame news conference when talking about his team. "I am a blessed man to have had the opportunity to manage them," he said of his Netherlands players.
Maybe it’s because the semi-finals and finals are in my backyard this year. Maybe it’s because I just miss competitive baseball games. Maybe it’s because I have a sense of country pride this season. For whatever reason, the WBC has been a treat so far, and as a baseball fan, I think you’re missing out if you don’t give it a shot.
The United States will play Venezuela tonight.
How do you show your fandom?
Here is my contribution to the 2009 season; my softball cleats in shades of green and gold. These shoes are in my closet, along with the hanging A's clothes. Two more drawers are donated to the green and gold clothes, worn throughout the year.
What is in your closet? How do you show your fandom?
Welcome to Spring Training 2009!
Join the BaseballChix during Spring Training for all the latest on your favorite teams, and players, sometimes straight from the ballparks, as we count down to the regular season!
Today's schedule can be found here. Teams from the World Baseball Classic will also be playing some of these early games. Click here for all the information on how to watch/listen to the games throughout the year, and if you want the internet radio schedule for Spring Training (signing up for MLB radio is SO worth it!), we have the Media Center link from MLB.com.
Listen now to hear all of your team's games. MLB previews will be up on BaseballChix.com within the next month for all 30 teams.
Welcome to the season!
The World Baseball Classic
The World Baseball Classic (WBC) is an international baseball tournament, showcasing players from Major League Baseball (representing different countries), as well as leagues around the world. The first WBC was in 2006, and there will be another this year, starting very soon. Teams have just been announced for this event, from the following countries:
Hundreds of MLB players are competing in this event, all representing their native country; Team USA is fielding about 40 themselves. The teams are currently assembling and practicing at various Spring Training facilities, and the first bracket of the games will start on Thursday, March 5th.
Stay tuned to baseballchix.com for all of the latest WBC information; and since a number of the games will be held in Southern California, expect reports straight from the games!
Did you watch in 2006? Are you watching this year? Is it Team USA all the way, or do you have another favorite team?
We want to know!
- Australia
- Canada
- China
- Chinese Taipei
- Cuba
- Dominican Republic
- Italy
- Japan
- Korea
- Mexico
- Netherlands
- Panama
- Puerto Rico
- South Africa
- USA
- Venezuela
Hundreds of MLB players are competing in this event, all representing their native country; Team USA is fielding about 40 themselves. The teams are currently assembling and practicing at various Spring Training facilities, and the first bracket of the games will start on Thursday, March 5th.
Stay tuned to baseballchix.com for all of the latest WBC information; and since a number of the games will be held in Southern California, expect reports straight from the games!
Did you watch in 2006? Are you watching this year? Is it Team USA all the way, or do you have another favorite team?
We want to know!
Southern California Baseball Game - April 7th!
Join a few of the BaseballChix A's fans in Southern California on April 7th, as the Oakland Athletics visit the Angels of Anaheim. For group ticket information, Contact the Chix now! The deadline for a great deal on tickets ($22/each instead of $33/each) is this upcoming Monday! If you will be in SoCal; reserve your ticket now!