Keep the game moving

quote:

Originally posted by dash_riprock:
Keep them in the box

The kids see the pros do it and think they have to do it, too. Step out, look down the line, take a few swings, tie your shoe, pull up your pants, fix your helmet, then the back hand goes up as you dig in... every pitch! It must drive you crazy.

quote:

Originally posted by AntzDad:

quote:

Originally posted by dash_riprock:
Keep them in the box

The kids see the pros do it and think they have to do it, too. Step out, look down the line, take a few swings, tie your shoe, pull up your pants, fix your helmet, then the back hand goes up as you dig in... every pitch! It must drive you crazy.

I don't let them do it. When they start to step out I tell them they have to stay in the box. It might take an inning or two but they eventually learn to stay in there. And the back hand up (ala Derek Jeter) doesn't mean a thing. The ball is live.

Game Time Management- ways to keep a game flowing and not add extra time to a game without looking hurried.

This is what I review within our assoc, and in the new umpires class:
PREGAME- get there early enough to gear up, discuss issues w/pard, check field/equip, plate conference, and start on time - Can save.................5-10min

Keep Them in Batters Box- average 300 pitches/game, estimate half are called balls/strikes x 10-15 sec with letting batter move out of box........10-15min

Clean Plate- at normal game pauses(1/2 inning starts, after a score, before batter enters box,
instead of calling time and stopping play (if possible) ..................................3-5 min

Limit Calling Time-i.e. batter raising hand after a baseplay, talking to coach on non pressing items(wait till inning end)..................5 min

Foul Balls- dont wait for F7/F9 to chase down a grounded foulball up against the fence- Yell "Let it go", hand F2 a new one, let a dugout player get it. Also, let the on deck batter get the foul balls behind you.................................3-5 min

Keep a Good Supply of Balls- dont wait for home coach to find new ones- check at ea inning end (and dont ask for "new balls"!!)................3-5 min

Coach Q's/Complaints- within reason, limit amount of time discussing issues. I believe in "trying" not to say more more than 6 words at a time- limits the ammo we give coaches to come back at us (I believe in being approachable/friendly)....3-5 min

Conferences- make sure they dont go long.....1-3 min

Total possible time saved.........50-65 min


Staying aware and in control of the game keeps it flowing, and you dont look rushed. Time saved could mean full games played vs short games due to Spring darkness.....which then means our decision to end = 1 coach is upset....

Dash,
I agree with all of the suggestions, just want to ask when are batters able to get signs from 3rd base coach if you don't allow them out of box?

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I agree with all of the suggestions, just want to ask when are batters able to get signs from 3rd base coach if you don't allow them out of box?

One foot can be out of the box. But only one foot should be out of the fox..

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Foul Balls- dont wait for F7/F9 to chase down a grounded foulball up against the fence- Yell "Let it go", hand F2 a new one, let a dugout player get it.

I'm not so sure about this one speeding up the game. I've seen numerous times where a fielder is 30 - 40 feet away from the ball and leave it but the player coming out of the dugout is well over 200 feet away. Plus you have to wait for the kid to get a helmet and I've seen umps hold up the game for the kid to run down and back to get the ball.

It seems like it's quicker for the fielder to continue to get the ball and throw it towards the dugout on their side regardless of which team it is. Then that team can get the ball worked back in when they can.

I'm a frequent complainer about game times.

This year, I have nothing to complain about. Our new pitching coach gets calls in quickly and it's speeded up our games significantly. We're batting .500 on sub 2 hour games.

We lost on Friday 12-11 in 8 innings in 2:15. I'll take that any day!

I let them out of the box but only if they get right back in. If they start to walk away I tell them to hang close. If they can't do that then they are back to one foot out.

quote:

Originally posted by coach2709:
[I've seen numerous times where a fielder is 30 - 40 feet away from the ball and leave it but the player coming out of the dugout is well over 200 feet away. Plus you have to wait for the kid to get a helmet and I've seen umps hold up the game for the kid to run down and back to get the ball.

Then those umps don't understand the reason for having the player from the bench shagging the balls, and why he's wearing a helmet.

quote:

Originally posted by coach2709:

quote:

Foul Balls- dont wait for F7/F9 to chase down a grounded foulball up against the fence- Yell "Let it go", hand F2 a new one, let a dugout player get it.

...
It seems like it's quicker for the fielder to continue to get the ball and throw it towards the dugout on their side regardless of which team it is. Then that team can get the ball worked back in when they can.

The game is in progress while the shagger is getting the ball instead of having to wait for the fielder to go get the ball and return to his position all the while the ball is getting thrown around.

Here in the SEC conference this season, we are testing a pitch clock (similar to a shot clock in Basketball) this season. With no runners on, the pitcher has 20 seconds to step on the mound and throw the ball. If he steps off, the clock stops until he steps back on and then resumes. Failure to throw the pitch will be called a BALL. When the batter calls time, the clock resets. The clock also runs for 90 seconds between innings for warm-ups.

quote:

Originally posted by NWABomber5:
Here in the SEC conference this season, we are testing a pitch clock (similar to a shot clock in Basketball) this season.

I'll assume the SEC is a part of Division I NCAA baseball. If that assumption is correct, I was under the impression that the clock was a rule implemented this year throughout NCAA baseball.

That is correct.

HS Softball game last night, 7 innings, 8-6 score, played in 1:12.

Night before again HS Softball, 7 innings, 12-11 score, played in 2:49.

A significant difference was way more walks in the longer game, but at least half the difference was HU's pace. Guy last night kept them moving, didn't allow conferences to linger, counted warm up pitches and generally was ready when the players were ready. I'm surprised how often everyone BUT the umpires are ready for play in both HS baseball & softball at the start of an inning.

Both were good,fun games to watch, but a quick pace makes it more exciting for everyone. Nobody wants to watch players standing around waiting.

Tonight is baseball, cross town rival, 7pm game which will be packed. Great opportunity for drama. My over / under is 2:30.

quote:

Originally posted by yawetag:

quote:

Originally posted by NWABomber5:
Here in the SEC conference this season, we are testing a pitch clock (similar to a shot clock in Basketball) this season.

I'll assume the SEC is a part of Division I NCAA baseball. If that assumption is correct, I was under the impression that the clock was a rule implemented this year throughout NCAA baseball.

The 20 seconds is not an experiment. The clock, widh is optional, I suppose could be considered an experiment.