So, why isn't a pitcher emotionally scarred for life when she is pulled mid-inning? Seems that if the SS will suffer life long trauma from the indignity of being pulled, wouldn't the pitcher also be harmed?
Apples and oranges. I mean c'mon. How many major leasgue baseball games have you seen in your life? In all those games, how many pitchers have been pulled mid innng? Countless, right? How many position players? Not so many. I remember Billy Martin pulling Reggie Jackson. that's about it. There is an expectation that pitchers will be pulled mid inning (for a variety of reasons/circumstances). Pulling a position player is a different animal, and you know it. Not saying it should never be done, but it is completely different.
In pool play last week my dd led off the game with a fairly deep fly ball to center. CF tracked it down, bobbled it slightly, and then secured the catch. As dd was heading to the dugout, CF was being pulled. Coach snapped at her for the bobble. First batter of the game! Is that really the same as a pitcher being taken out after throwing 125 pitches?
Edit to add: Put it this way. Pulling as pitcher is generally perceived as a positive. Manager takes ball, pat on the back, crowd and teammates cheer. "Thanks, kid, you did your best." Etc. Pulling a position player is ALWAYS perceived differently. No pats on back. No cheers. The player feels embarrassed/shame. Been that way for over 100 years.
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