Why not eliminate hard slides into second base on double-play grounders by declaring runners on first automatically “out” at second on grounders, sort of like the infield fly rule? For that matter, why have fielders at all? Scores would go up and nobody would risk getting hurt. Sounds like a win-win for somebody.
One of my all-time favorite articles in Mad Magazine was “Basebrawl”, which was nearly as bloody as the Roman gladiator games (a cannonball was used for the ball, tackling and crocodiles were allowed, and so forth). And no stunt doubles, either!
As a youth umpire, I have no issues whatsoever with eliminating collisions at home plate. It’s an easy rule: The runner must slide OR avoid contact or he’s ruled out and ejected (the act of sliding eliminates most of the worst of the contact that is made, so sliding into the catcher is fine). If the catcher is standing on the base line without the ball, well that is ruled obstruction and the runner is awarded home.
As for hard slides at second, when in MLB that’s kinda why they aren’t allowing the “Neighbourhood” play to be reviewed.
Re: SPORTS JERK, the Vancouver – Calgary game last night should give lots of candidates for 2014. 2 seconds from opening and a major fight. Boxing with a little hockey thrown in.
They eliminated the home plate collisions because frankly, when the best catchers are earning US$80 to US$100 million guaranteed contracts, team management wants to make sure they can play, not end up out for the season. They should have banned this practice ever since Pete Rose seriously injured Ray Fosse at the 1970 All-Star Game.
Guilty Bystander over 10 years ago
Why not eliminate hard slides into second base on double-play grounders by declaring runners on first automatically “out” at second on grounders, sort of like the infield fly rule? For that matter, why have fielders at all? Scores would go up and nobody would risk getting hurt. Sounds like a win-win for somebody.
Godfreydaniel over 10 years ago
One of my all-time favorite articles in Mad Magazine was “Basebrawl”, which was nearly as bloody as the Roman gladiator games (a cannonball was used for the ball, tackling and crocodiles were allowed, and so forth). And no stunt doubles, either!
Geldhart over 10 years ago
As a youth umpire, I have no issues whatsoever with eliminating collisions at home plate. It’s an easy rule: The runner must slide OR avoid contact or he’s ruled out and ejected (the act of sliding eliminates most of the worst of the contact that is made, so sliding into the catcher is fine). If the catcher is standing on the base line without the ball, well that is ruled obstruction and the runner is awarded home.
As for hard slides at second, when in MLB that’s kinda why they aren’t allowing the “Neighbourhood” play to be reviewed.
Flatlander, purveyor of fine covfefe over 10 years ago
Re: SPORTS JERK, the Vancouver – Calgary game last night should give lots of candidates for 2014. 2 seconds from opening and a major fight. Boxing with a little hockey thrown in.
Mary McNeil Premium Member over 10 years ago
MLB doesn’t have an IR do they?
Sacto1624 over 10 years ago
They eliminated the home plate collisions because frankly, when the best catchers are earning US$80 to US$100 million guaranteed contracts, team management wants to make sure they can play, not end up out for the season. They should have banned this practice ever since Pete Rose seriously injured Ray Fosse at the 1970 All-Star Game.