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

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Jun 19, 2016
858
63
I had a rather pointed disagreement with one of assistant coaches today because he insisted on throwing up the stop sign to of prevent "running up the score". We play in a league with no mercy rule and a 5 run rule per an inning. My team is very is very a good running team and although we were playing a weak team today I know we are playing our fiercest rival on Saturday. My position was we should keep on running to keep my team in shape for the rival game. The assistant coach in question called me a bad sport and refused to honor my request. It wasn't just running on overthrows he was stopping them on legitimate doubles from taking more than one base. My intention was not only to keep my team use to running but also get my 2nd team infielders some reps. So here the question... is there some unwritten rule about base to base running when you or ahead or am I being a butthead?
 

Chris Delorit

Member
Apr 24, 2016
343
28
Green Bay, WI
Hi Brian,

Yes, kind of. Mainly, relative to unnecessarily running up the score.

During league competition, you weigh in a few factors. A 10-run lead is a pretty common inflection point to make a decision to slow it down a bit. Such as taking single bases on extra base hits, no bunts/slaps or stiolen bases, no walks, etc. If you're cruising beyond that, you have options such as running into outs, leaving bases early and so on. The latter won't happen too much, but there are certainly times when it can be appropriate.

In your case, continuing to run for the reasons you offer above will likely set your team up for some scrutiny, and coaches for sportsmanship concerns.

Imagine how you, and more importantly your kids, would feel if you found your team in your opponents shoes.

If you're team is exponentially better than your opponents, it may be a better choice to seek some parity in competition, where your athletes can really take advantage, and advance their skill level within a more level playing field.

One exception to the rule would be competitive tournament play, where run differentials can become a factor in seedings, etc.
 
Jun 19, 2016
858
63
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.
 
Jun 19, 2016
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63
The other thing...with the defense I was putting in, I wasn't sure 10 runs was going to be enough. Particularly, in the second inning. I have seen my second team defense give up 5 runs in a inning brfore. There is a big fall off between my first and second team defense.
 
Feb 17, 2014
7,152
113
Orlando, FL
Is this an 18U team in a league where the champions go on to local, district, regional, and finally a national championship attended by college coaches looking to recruit players?
 
Jun 12, 2015
3,848
83
Every team mine has been on, when the score gets to be about 10 points difference (depending a little on which team we're playing and how likely they are to come back), the HC has the girls start to step off early, or bunts with bases loaded so they can get an out, and stops having them steal. Most teams we've played against do the same. Not all, but most. We played a first year 10U team a couple of weeks ago and when we got way up on them we put in our #3 pitcher, sent our best infielders to the outfield, and gave some other girls a shot at the infield. The new team got some runs in, the coaches set a number that was OK with them, then switched everyone back and shut it down. It was a risk because if any other teams had the same win record that day it would've come to runs allowed whether we went to the championship. But I still think it was the right thing to do.

I'm pretty hardcore on the whole "winning isn't everything" philosophy though. There are many more important lessons she'll learn that will carry forward into her entire life, long after softball is over. Sportsmanship is very important, IMO.
 
Jun 19, 2016
858
63
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.
 
Last edited:

JAD

Feb 20, 2012
8,231
38
Georgia
What was the score at the time? Once we get up 8 runs on a team we typically go "base to base". If we get up by 12 we will start leaving early to give the other team an out.

Not sure how continuing to run bases aggressively against a weak team is going to help your team get ready for your big "rival game" next Saturday, but maybe it's just me...
 
Feb 4, 2015
641
28
Massachusetts
Is this an 18U team in a league where the champions go on to local, district, regional, and finally a national championship attended by college coaches looking to recruit players?

Hey Brian - Riseball was asking this question with total sarcasm (as he is known to do). The point he's making is... who wins and loses at this level really doesn't matter.

I applaud you for getting all the girls reps and developing their skills. Beyond that, it really doesn't matter. Typically their memory of who won or lost ends about 10 minutes after the game on the way to get ice cream. Have fun, teach good sportsmanship, and don't piss off the other coaches especially if it's a town league (you don't want to be THAT guy).

When you write "we are playing our fiercest rival on Saturday" just ask yourself "who's rivalry?" Your's or the girls?
 

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