Quote:
Originally Posted by monster
I'm guessing this rule is because some coaches just don't have the integrity to do this. It's a shame when you feel the need to legislate good sportsmanship.
|
Not necessarily. I played baseball for a good number of years and I can say that once a team gets hot, there is almost nothing the coach can do to keep their team from scoring. In the 35-1 game I mentioned, the backups were put in early and they did just as well as the starters. We went through five pitchers and only one of them was able to do somewhat decently. We had no confidence. They were dripping confidence. Their coach could have only prevented the score by putting players in positions they usually don't play (very bad sportsmanship in baseball) and literally told their players to not hit the ball (something you don't do).
In high school baseball, and I'm guessing softball too, big score differences are going to happen and most of the time it isn't the coach's fault or bad sportsmanship on their part. Also, many losing coaches will not "give up" the game as well. That is why the slaughter rule exists. To prevent 5 hour long games that are clearly one sided.
Saying that, I strongly disagree with the five run rule. Different circumstances.