Is it time to change the field in FP?

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Apr 1, 2010
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Well, I'm really disappointed at the lack of confidence everyone seems to have in the players. But, question asked, question answered.

Thank you

Personally, I don't feel I have a lack of confidence in the players. I think they're great and that fastpitch softball is a great game. (In fact, I meant to imply in my post that softball was a vastly more exciting game than baseball and that softball players had to have faster reaction times and play less sloppily than baseball players.)
 

hen

Dec 1, 2010
64
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For arguement's sake, I'm on board with MTR. I think of it this way: most people I know would rather have their kids play up an age division if possible to get better reps/game experience. Sure it's harder, but the girls seem to learn faster and get better. You can't just rely on physical gifts (size or speed).

For instance, instead of being able to lay any old bunt/slap downto get on, the added distance would force girls to either get faster or to up their skill. Don't forget that longer bases still requires the corners to cover as much ground to get to the ball. To steal a base, girls would need to get better timing off the pitcher or pick counts where the pitcher may need to thrown an offspeed pitch instead of relying on pure speed. Fielders would have a chance if they misplay a hot shot. All that practice on double plays could be fruitful. Bigger basepaths = more holes in the infield.

I understand the concerns but I like to think of it as a way to force the girls to up their skill level. Sure, if coaches and the girls don't change their game then it could be detrimental, but on the other hand it could force them to better themselves in a way that wouldn't have been "necessary" previously. Haha it also gives the base coaches more reaction time!
 

hen

Dec 1, 2010
64
6
Devil's advocate again, the game may go even quicker because of fewer runners and an increase in double plays. I don't see the .1667 seconds increase in fielding time (additional time a girl running 60ft in 2 sec now needs) allowing the infielders much more slack or laziness you see in baseball.

I don't think this is an ball/bat versus increase base length discussion (I'm sure we can all agree on the bat/ball issues), but I don't think the increase would be as bad as it is being portrayed. Just my opinion...
 
Jul 26, 2010
3,567
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I think they should just change the regulations to allow girls to play baseball and boys to play softball and leave the game alone, rather then try to change the game into something its not at the behest of daddies that had girls instead of boys.

-W
 

MTR

Jun 22, 2008
3,438
48
Nobody said we didnt have confidence in the players...
You want smaller balls and a bigger field...then play SP...or what do they call it...modified slowpitch...If a few people bowl 300...will they make the lanes longer...and BTW...you throw a hard 11in ball with the added power from the speed of the ball....you'll need longer fences

It is what is..or what it isnt...its not baseball, and THANK GOD its not slowpitch....Leave it alone....

WTF are you talking about? Are you really that ignorant of the game of softball?

And, yes, IMO it is a lack of confidence to think that someone isn't capable of accepting a challenge
 
Jul 26, 2010
3,567
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I don't think that making the bases longer is a challenge, I think its the opposite. Sure, you will have to have faster base runners to steal. Problem with that is that you can't really teach a kid to run faster (past a certain point). It's an ingrained ability. You can teach a kid to field faster (a learned skill). Tipping the balance to where you can have slower fielders but need faster runners is less about athleticism and gamesmanship and more about genetics. Not really the right way to go, IMHO.

-W
 
3

3sDad

Guest
WTF are you talking about? Are you really that ignorant of the game of softball?

And, yes, IMO it is a lack of confidence to think that someone isn't capable of accepting a challenge

I really dont think your response deserves a reply, especially one with obscenitities but here ya go...
An opinion was asked for, I gave mine...You dont like it...so what....I like how it is now, seems the majority of folks on here do also...and so do the major sanctioning bodies...andus on here arent going to change a thing....
 

MTR

Jun 22, 2008
3,438
48
I really dont think your response deserves a reply,

And yet, you did.

especially one with obscenitities

Only if you are fool enough to think so

but here ya go...

An opinion was asked for, I gave mine...You dont like it...so what....I like how it is now, seems the majority of folks on here do also...and so do the major sanctioning bodies...andus on here arent going to change a thing....

I have no problem with your or anyone else's opinion although it seemed ill-conceived over a misperception. You keep talking about "smaller balls" and "slowpitch" and neither has anything to do with what I was asking and that misperception is what I was questioning.

When it comes down to it, all I suggested was ask the runner for one additional stride that takes less than a half second.
 
Mar 13, 2010
1,758
48
I think they should just change the regulations to allow girls to play baseball and boys to play softball and leave the game alone, rather then try to change the game into something its not at the behest of daddies that had girls instead of boys.

I think you've hit the nail on the head.

If you want a game that has longer base paths and runners leading off (that was my WTF? moment) go play baseball and leave this wonderful sport alone.
 

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