Should I be expected to run base to base so my team doesn't run up to score

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Jun 11, 2012
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Run differentials are a tie breaker in my league, but was more concerned about getting my second team defense reps. I have got girls that have spent most of the season in the outfield.

Clearly this is a younger age group because you're talking about leaving weaker players in the outfield. If it is anything under 12U and rec level why aren't all the girls being rotated through all of the positions in every game? It should be about player development and not winning
 
Sep 29, 2014
2,421
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If it was an 18U I would be more like to consider a 10 run lead safe. At my age group 5 run innings seem to be common. I searched and found a few threads on the topic. It doesn't seem like there is a consensus on the issue. I have been on the other side of the issue and the only time I ever got a little miffed is when a coach left his first team defense in the whole time. I used my number 3 pitcher (I only have 3) and all my star infielders in the outfield. I got some girls that have been begging to play first base and short stop and I perhaps I just got a little wrapped up in getting them in the game. Plus, I really had no idea how many runs this defensive lineup was going to give up. The other times I have out my outfielders in the infield they gave up the run limit.

I can honestly understand both sides of the issue. Perhaps the unwritten run rule is different for different age groups? We still coach pitch part time some big innings seem to happen frequently.

Oh no there is a consensus...given a set of facts...maybe I missed the specifics but if you are 10U rec and up 10-0 in the second inning bases to base is absolutely the right thing. You said your second team defense could give up 5 but nobody is saying don't keep hitting (you actually get more reps this way unless we are talking about a walkfest) so your offense even going base to base no taking bases on overthrows etc. should be scoring 3 to 5 runs an inning. I would probably wait two full innings after that if it is 10-0 you should not do more than base to base because if you score one run they probably can't catch you because you are not getting to the end of five before time runs out anyway.
 
Last edited:
Nov 18, 2013
2,255
113
Since you “still coach pitch part time“ this has to be 8U or 10U. Statements like “Fiercest rivals”, “Star Players” and “girls that have spent most of the season in the outfield” and then questioning whether its ok to run up the score is WAY over the top.

I suggest watching the movie All-Stars All Stars (2014) - IMDb so you can see what you sound like.
 
Jun 11, 2013
2,619
113
Since we weren't there it's hard to say, but my rule of thumb is that if I'm even considering taking my foot off the gas then it's almost always time to do it. Playing and beating
up on a bad team doesn't help you in the next game.


Then only exception is that in leagues with 5 run limits like you have. It the pitcher is just walking kids around the base you might as well go on WP''s to get it over quickly. If the pitcher is throwing strikes let you kids have some fun and hit. However even then I would only go on WP's (PB's) and stop stealing and certainly stop doing any form of delayed stealing.
 
Feb 3, 2011
1,880
48
Since you “still coach pitch part time“ this has to be 8U or 10U. Statements like “Fiercest rivals”, “Star Players” and “girls that have spent most of the season in the outfield” and then questioning whether its ok to run up the score is WAY over the top.

I suggest watching the movie All-Stars All Stars (2014) - IMDb so you can see what you sound like.

Even though your mindset is almost completely wrong for youth coaching ("fiercest rivals" and "my this, my that" were the giveaways), I'm glad you're a member of DFP, Brian. I encourage you to honestly consider the counsel you'll receive here.

As a general rule, once you're up 2x the run rule, the other team will not come back to "beat" you in a rec league game.
 
Feb 16, 2015
933
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South East
This past year I saw a nationally ranked team beat another team 42-0! Granted that there was not a run limit per inning and no run rule limit until the 3rd but I will say this it did not look good on the coaches part and was the talk of the tournament. Afterwards I did find out that the reason he ran up the score was because the weaker team decided to contests his players age.
 
Jun 19, 2016
858
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Even though your mindset is almost completely wrong for youth coaching ("fiercest rivals" and "my this, my that" were the giveaways), I'm glad you're a member of DFP, Brian. I encourage you to honestly consider the counsel you'll receive here.

As a general rule, once you're up 2x the run rule, the other team will not come back to "beat" you in a rec league game.

Team that almost best us is better than fiercest rival. I put the post seeking honest unbiased feedback. I definitely don't have it all figured out yet.
 

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