While I don't think it will be something that will change in the near future, in December, on a slow day at work, I think there is merit in at least thinking about moving the bases/fences for fastpitch to 65' for the higher/older levels of play. To not even consider change is just being stubborn.
You can't compare fastpitch to slowpitch as apples to apples. The majority of slowpitch players are full grown adult males and females. The majority of fastpitch players (at least in the US) are under 18... with the greatest number younger than 14. Below 14 doesn't make sense to change it. At HS/College age/level it might be worth considering.
My DD, is still 12 so I don't have enough experience at seeing the game at the higher age groups to have any real grasp of how much different it would make the game. I can't really think of any reason to change it except for safety reasons. Frankly, I really only see negatives at this point.
For arguments sake... I'll list the "benefits" I see of moving to 65' for fastpitch.
I'll start.
At 65'
- Defense gets extra time to make the play; means slightly less skilled/or slower fielders could play infield successfully.
- Safety of fielders; means slightly less skilled/ or slower to react fielders could play infield successfully with less risk of getting hurt.
- Speedy weaker hitters/and or slappers may not get on base as much... forced to learn how to hit "for real". Means line drive/power hitters will be more valuable.
- Power hitting teams more catered to. Small ball teams less effective.
- Bigger/faster athletes gain more advantage offensively than smaller/faster athletes (than they already had).
any other "benefits" i might be missing?
You can't compare fastpitch to slowpitch as apples to apples. The majority of slowpitch players are full grown adult males and females. The majority of fastpitch players (at least in the US) are under 18... with the greatest number younger than 14. Below 14 doesn't make sense to change it. At HS/College age/level it might be worth considering.
My DD, is still 12 so I don't have enough experience at seeing the game at the higher age groups to have any real grasp of how much different it would make the game. I can't really think of any reason to change it except for safety reasons. Frankly, I really only see negatives at this point.
For arguments sake... I'll list the "benefits" I see of moving to 65' for fastpitch.
I'll start.
At 65'
- Defense gets extra time to make the play; means slightly less skilled/or slower fielders could play infield successfully.
- Safety of fielders; means slightly less skilled/ or slower to react fielders could play infield successfully with less risk of getting hurt.
- Speedy weaker hitters/and or slappers may not get on base as much... forced to learn how to hit "for real". Means line drive/power hitters will be more valuable.
- Power hitting teams more catered to. Small ball teams less effective.
- Bigger/faster athletes gain more advantage offensively than smaller/faster athletes (than they already had).
any other "benefits" i might be missing?